Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

Introduction

Cheese truffles, also known as mini cheese balls, are delightful bite-sized snacks perfect for any gathering. Creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, these truffles combine different cheeses and herbs for a delicious appetizer everyone will love.

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 (see Note 1)
• 1 cup grated cheese (tasty, cheddar, or any flavorful cheese)
• 1 tbsp sour cream (or approximately 2 tsp of 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 the cream cheese, 1 cup grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt into a bowl. Mix well until fully combined. Adjust salt to taste.
2. Step 2: For the feta cheese filling, place the goat’s cheese, Danish feta, 1 cup grated cheese, sour cream, chopped herbs, and Parmesan cheese into a separate bowl. Mix well until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Using a tablespoon, measure out portions of the filling. Use a teaspoon to scoop the filling out of the tablespoon onto a tray or cutting board. Once all filling is portioned, use your hands to gently roll each portion into smooth balls.
4. Step 4: Refrigerate the cheese balls for 3 to 4 hours to firm up.
5. Step 5: Prepare your coatings by placing them into small bowls. Common coatings include finely chopped walnuts, dried cranberries, and extra herbs or cheese.
6. Step 6: Roll the chilled cheese balls in the coatings until evenly covered.
7. Step 7: Refrigerate the coated cheese balls until you are ready to serve.
8. Step 8: About 15 minutes before serving, remove the cheese truffles from the refrigerator to allow them to soften slightly for easier spreading. Serve with crackers or toasted bread pieces.

Tips & Variations

• For a different flavor profile, try using smoked cheeses or adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the filling.
• Mix up the coatings with chopped pistachios, toasted sesame seeds, or chopped fresh chives for variety.
• If you prefer a firmer truffle, refrigerate overnight before coating.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier filling and lighter texture.

Storage

Store cheese truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best texture and flavor, allow them to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture of the cheeses.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cheese truffles ahead of time?

Yes, cheese truffles are great for preparing a day in advance. Just keep them refrigerated and bring them out shortly before serving for optimal texture.

What can I serve with cheese truffles?

They pair wonderfully with a variety of crackers, toasted baguette slices, fresh vegetable sticks, or even as a flavorful addition to a cheese platter.

Cheese Truffles (Mini Cheese Balls) Recipe

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4.5 from 219 reviews

These delightful Cheese Truffles, also known as Mini Cheese Balls, are a perfect appetizer featuring creamy, flavorful cheese mixtures rolled into bite-sized balls and coated with a variety of tasty toppings. With two distinct fillings made from cream cheese or feta cheese blended with flavorful herbs, nuts, and dried cranberries, these truffles are simple to prepare and sure to impress at any gathering.

• Author: Daniel
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20–24 mini cheese balls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: International
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 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. Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated cheese, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the mixture is smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
2. Prepare the Feta Cheese Filling: In another bowl, combine goat cheese, Danish feta, grated cheese, sour cream (or milk/water), and finely chopped fresh herbs. Mix well until smooth and well combined.
3. Form the Cheese Balls: Measure out 1 tablespoon of the desired filling. Use a teaspoon to scoop the filling from the tablespoon and place it onto a tray or cutting board. Once all filling portions are scooped, use your hands to roll each portion into a smooth ball. Place the formed balls onto the tray and refrigerate for 3 to 4 hours to set.
4. Prepare the Coatings: Divide the Parmesan cheese, chopped walnuts, and dried cranberries into separate small bowls for coating.
5. Coat the Cheese Balls: After chilling, roll each cheese ball in one of the coatings so they are evenly covered.
6. Refrigerate until Serving: Place the coated cheese balls back into the refrigerator until ready to serve.
7. Bring to Serving Temperature: Remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to allow them to soften slightly and become spreadable.
8. Serve: Present the cheese truffles on a platter alongside crackers or pieces of toasted bread for guests to enjoy.

Notes

• The recipe features two distinct fillings which can be prepared separately and offered as options for guests.
• If sour cream is unavailable, substitute with milk or water to keep the feta filling creamy.
• Feel free to customize the coatings with your choice of nuts, dried fruits, or herbs for variety.
• Chilling the cheese balls thoroughly is crucial to help them firm up for easy rolling and coating.
• Allowing the cheese balls to sit at room temperature before serving enhances their texture and flavor.

Keywords: cheese truffles, mini cheese balls, appetizer, cream cheese, feta cheese, party snacks, easy cheese recipes, no-cook appetizers