Carb bacon cheddar mini cheese balls

Yields: 18-20 mini cheese balls
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Diet: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Intensity & Skill Level

• Difficulty: Easy – Perfect for beginners. No special skills required.

• Process: Simple mixing and rolling. The most complex step is cooking the bacon, which can be done ahead of time.

Equipment Needed

• Medium mixing bowl

• Hand mixer or a sturdy spatula

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Sharp knife and cutting board

• Baking sheet (if baking bacon)

• Small plate for rolling

• Plastic wrap (optional)

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Ingredients

For the Cheese Ball Mixture:

• 8 oz (225g) full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

• 1 ½ cups (150g) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded

• ½ cup (50g) cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 strips)

• ¼ cup (60g) real mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp (15g) finely chopped green onions (green parts only)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ¼ tsp smoked paprika

• ⅛ tsp black pepper, freshly ground

For the Coating:

• ½ cup (50g) cooked bacon, finely crumbled

• 2 tbsp (15g) finely chopped fresh chives or green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
If your bacon isn’t pre-cooked, this is the first step. You can cook it using your preferred method:

• Oven Method (Recommended): Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lay bacon strips on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until crispy. This method is hands-off and renders the fat perfectly.

• Skillet Method: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy, about 8-10 minutes.
  Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Once cool enough to handle, crumble it finely. Set aside half for the mixture and half for the coating.

Step 2: Combine the Base
In your medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, ½ cup of bacon crumbles, mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of green onions, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper.

Pro Tip: Using a hand mixer on medium speed for 1-2 minutes will create an exceptionally smooth and well-incorporated mixture. However, you can also mix vigorously with a spatula until everything is fully combined and no streaks of cream cheese remain.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture (Optional but Recommended)
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. Chilling the mixture firms it up, making the rolling process much cleaner and easier. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this, but your hands will warm the mixture more quickly.

Step 4: Create the Coating Station
While the mixture chills, prepare your coatings. On a small plate, combine the remaining ½ cup of finely crumbled bacon and the 2 tablespoons of chopped chives. Mix them together gently. This will be the flavorful, crunchy exterior for your cheese balls.

Step 5: Form and Roll the Balls
Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon, portion out the mixture. A one-tablespoon scoop is ideal for a perfect, bite-sized ball.
Roll each portion between your palms to form a smooth, round ball.

Step 6: Coat the Cheese Balls
Roll each cheese ball in the bacon-chive coating mixture. Gently press the coating onto the ball to ensure it adheres well. Place the finished cheese ball on a clean plate or serving platter.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Arrange all the coated cheese balls on your serving platter. They are best served immediately, but can be refrigerated for up to an hour before serving. Serve as is, or with low-carb dipping options like a sugar-free ranch dressing or a spicy mayo.

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the entire recipe up to 24 hours in advance. Store the coated cheese balls in a single layer in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For the best texture, let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

• Storage: Leftover cheese balls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

• Freezing: These cheese balls freeze remarkably well! Place the uncoated, rolled balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and “flash freeze” for 1 hour until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and roll in the bacon coating just before serving.

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Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
Servings: 20

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Chef’s Note: The key to a great cheese ball is the quality of your ingredients. Use a high-quality, block-style cheddar that you shred yourself, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the texture grainy. Full-fat cream cheese and real mayonnaise are non-negotiable for the richest flavor and creamiest consistency. Enjoy your low-carb culinary win