Description
These Thanksgiving Snacks Appetizers are creamy, savory cheese balls packed with bacon, cheddar, and green onion, rolled in a crunchy cracker coating. They’re perfect for entertaining and can be made ahead for stress-free hosting.
Ingredients
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 slices cooked and crumbled bacon
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
2 tablespoons diced pimentos or jalapeños (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or pretzels
1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar cheese. Add garlic powder and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
2. Stir in the crumbled bacon (reserving some for garnish), chopped green onions, and optional diced pimentos or jalapeños. Mix until evenly incorporated.
3. Scoop out 2-tablespoon portions and roll into balls using your hands. Wrap individually in plastic wrap if prepping ahead.
4. Roll the cheese balls in crushed crackers, pretzels, or chopped nuts until fully coated.
5. Chill for at least 30 minutes. Before serving, garnish with reserved bacon bits and extra green onions. Serve with crackers or veggie sticks.
Notes
Let the cheese balls sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.
Use gloves when rolling if the mixture is sticky, or chill it briefly before shaping.
For extra spice, add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika into the base.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake, chilled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg