Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe
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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare Coatings: Divide the parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries into small bowls, ready for rolling the cheese balls.
- 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.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the coated cheese balls in the refrigerator until ready to serve to keep them firm.
- Serving Preparation: About 15 minutes before serving, take the cheese truffles out of the fridge so they can soften slightly and become more spreadable.
- 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