Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

ByMaya Arden
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Introduction

Cheese truffles, or mini cheese balls, are delightful bites full of rich and savory flavors. These creamy, flavorful snacks are perfect for parties or as an elegant appetizer. Easy to make and full of texture, they bring a touch of gourmet to any occasion.

A white plate holds 13 small round cheese balls arranged loosely with different coatings: four are covered in green herbs, four in reddish dried fruit pieces, three in white shredded cheese, and two in crushed nuts. Next to the plate, there are several round golden crackers stacked and some topped with a cheese ball coated in green herbs. A silver cheese spreader lies near the crackers, and a few small scattered herb and nut pieces are on the plate edge and table. To the top left, a clear glass contains a pink iced drink garnished with a lemon wedge and mint leaves, sitting on a white marbled surface with a few ice cubes scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 8 oz (250g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any flavorful cheese)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste
  • 10 oz (300g) goat’s cheese
  • 10 oz (300g) Danish feta (Note 1)
  • 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any flavorful cheese)
  • 1 tbsp sour cream (or approx. 2 tsp milk or water)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill recommended)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, finely shredded or grated
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Step 1: For the cream cheese filling, place cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt in a bowl. Mix well until combined, adjusting salt to taste.
  2. Step 2: For the feta cheese filling, combine goat’s cheese, Danish feta, grated cheese, sour cream, and fresh herbs in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Measure out 1 tablespoon of filling and use a teaspoon to scoop the filling out onto a tray or cutting board. Once all the filling is portioned, gently roll each into a ball using your hands. Refrigerate the balls for 3 to 4 hours to firm up.
  4. Step 4: Prepare coatings by placing desired coatings (such as chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, or Parmesan) into small bowls.
  5. Step 5: Roll the chilled cheese balls in the coatings until fully covered.
  6. Step 6: Refrigerate the coated cheese balls until ready to serve.
  7. Step 7: Remove the cheese balls from the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly for easier spreading.
  8. Step 8: Serve the cheese truffles with crackers or pieces of toasted bread for a perfect appetizer.

Tips & Variations

  • Try using different herbs like chives or basil for a fresh flavor twist.
  • Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds to vary the nutty coating.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili powder to the filling for a subtle kick.
  • For a sweeter contrast, use dried apricots or figs instead of cranberries.
  • Ensure the cheese is well softened before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.

Storage

Store cheese truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes to regain spreadability. Avoid freezing as it can affect the texture and flavor.

How to Serve

A white plate holds three small cheese balls, one covered in dark red berries, another in crushed nuts, and the third coated in chopped green herbs, with a small piece of the herb-covered cheese ball cut open showing white cheese inside; one herb-covered cheese piece sits on a golden cracker beside the balls. Behind the plate, a stack of additional golden crackers rests on a light blue cloth atop a white marbled surface. Scattered around the plate are broken walnut pieces and dried cranberries. In the background, another white plate displays more cheese balls in similar coatings. To the right, a clear glass filled with ice, lemon slices, and a green mint garnish completes the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make cheese truffles ahead of time?

Yes, cheese truffles can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I serve with cheese truffles?

Cheese truffles are delicious served with a variety of crackers, toasted bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and cucumber.

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Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

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4.6 from 117 reviews

Delicious and elegant mini cheese truffles made with creamy cream cheese, flavorful grated cheese, tangy goat’s cheese, Danish feta, and fresh herbs. These bite-sized cheese balls are coated with a mixture of parmesan, walnuts, and dried cranberries, making them a perfect appetizer or party snack. Easy to prepare and best served slightly chilled with crackers or toasted bread.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: Approximately 24 mini cheese truffles 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: International
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Cream Cheese Filling

  • 8 oz (250g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any other flavorful cheese)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt to taste

Feta Cheese Filling

  • 10 oz (300g) goat’s cheese
  • 10 oz (300g) Danish feta
  • 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any other flavorful cheese)
  • 1 tbsp sour cream (or approximately 2 tsp milk or water)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill recommended)

Coating

  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely shredded or grated
  • 1/3 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Cream Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly until fully combined and smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
  2. Feta Cheese Filling: In a separate bowl, mix together goat’s cheese, Danish feta, grated cheese, sour cream (or milk/water), and chopped herbs until well blended into a creamy mixture.
  3. Forming the Balls: Using a tablespoon, scoop out about 1 tablespoon of filling, then use a teaspoon to gently transfer the filling onto a tray or cutting board. Continue until all filling is portioned. Then, roll each portion between your hands to form small, smooth balls. Place them on the tray and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours to firm up.
  4. Prepare Coatings: Divide the parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries into small bowls, ready for rolling the cheese balls.
  5. Coating the Cheese Balls: Remove the chilled cheese balls and roll them thoroughly and evenly in the various coatings, pressing gently so they adhere well.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Place the coated cheese balls in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep them firm.
  7. Serving Preparation: About 15 minutes before serving, take the cheese truffles out of the fridge so they can soften slightly and become more spreadable.
  8. Serving Suggestions: Serve the cheese truffles with crackers or pieces of toasted bread as an elegant appetizer or snack.

Notes

  • Note 1: Danish feta is a specific type of feta cheese that is less salty and creamier, but regular feta can be used as a substitute.
  • You can customize the fresh herbs according to your preference; parsley and dill add a nice flavor.
  • For a softer texture, allow the cheese balls to sit out a little longer before serving.
  • Store the cheese balls covered in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for best freshness.

Keywords: cheese truffles, mini cheese balls, appetizer, party snack, cream cheese recipe, feta cheese balls, no cook cheese balls, easy cheese appetizer

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