Mini Christmas Cheeseballs on RITZ Crackers

Love making cute and crowd-pleasing holiday appetizers? If so, these Mini Christmas Cheeseballs on RITZ Crackers are just what you need! They are fairly easy to whip up and take the messiness out of traditional cheeseballs turning them into individual cheeseballs for all to enjoy. Arranged on as a wreath, they make for an adorable, practical holiday cheese appetizer.

Cheeseballs are one of my favorite holiday appetizer ideas. Recipes like this Kraft Snowman Cheeseball are cute but can get messy once guests start to dig in. That is why I thought it would be a great idea to make bite-sized cheeseballs for all to enjoy. Since I love buttery RITZ Crackers, it was only natural that I use these as the base to hold the cheeseball and provide the contrasting, buttery, crunch.

Mini Christmas Cheeseballs Ingredients

There is nothing more festive than red and green this season so I decided to do a cranberry and a chive version for my cheeseball flavors. Check out what you’ll need and the printable recipe guide below!

• Cream cheese is a soft, spreadable cheese made from milk and cream. It has a mild flavor and a smooth texture. It is the base of the cheeseball and helps to bind all the other ingredients together.
• Cheddar cheese is a hard, sharp cheese that is made from milk. It has a strong flavor and a crumbly texture. It is added to the cheeseball for flavor and texture.
• Onion powder is a dried spice that is made from onions. It has a strong, savory flavor. It is added to the cheeseball for flavor.
• Garlic powder is a dried spice that is made from garlic. It has a strong, pungent flavor. It is added to the cheeseball for flavor.
• Chili powder is a blend of spices that includes chili peppers, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. It has a spicy, smoky flavor. It is added to the cheeseball for flavor.
• Cayenne pepper is a dried spice that is made from cayenne peppers. It has a very hot, spicy flavor. It is added to the cheeseball for heat.
• Black pepper is a ground spice that is made from dried peppercorns. It has a sharp, pungent flavor. It is added to the cheeseball for flavor.
• Dried cranberries are cranberries that have been dried until they are hard and chewy. They have a sweet, tart flavor. They are added to the outside of the cheeseball for sweetness and texture.
• Dried chives are chives that have been dried until they are crumbly. They have a mild, onion-like flavor. They are added to the outside of the cheeseball for flavor and a festive appearance.

How to Make Mini Red and Green Cheeseballs

Mix the cream cheese, cheddar, and spices; divide the mixture. Form teaspoon-sized balls and then coat half of them with cranberries and the other half with dried chives. Place the cheese balls on the buttery and delicious RITZ Crackers. I served ours on a wreath serving tray with fresh sage, rosemary, and cranberry.

Serving Mini Cheeseballs

• Individual bites: Roll the cheeseballs into small balls and coat them in your choice of toppings. Serve them on toothpicks or skewers.
• Cheeseball tower: Create a tower of cheeseballs by alternating different sizes of cheeseballs. Coat each layer with a different topping.
• Cheeseball platter: Arrange a variety of mini cheeseballs on a platter with a variety of crackers, crostini, and crudités.
• Cheeseball bar: Set up a cheeseball bar with a variety of cheeseballs, toppings, and accompaniments. Let your guests create their own customized bites.
• Cheeseball Wreath: Arrange mini cheeseballs with or without RITZ crackers and style with fresh herbs to make a holiday wreath.

Recipe Tips

Chill the cheeseballs thoroughly before serving. This will help them to hold their shape and make them easier to pick up.

Coat the cheeseballs in a variety of toppings. This will add flavor and visual appeal. Some popular toppings include chopped nuts, dried cranberries, fresh herbs, and crumbled bacon.

Serve the cheeseballs with a variety of crackers or other accompaniments. This will give your guests options and allow them to customize their own bites. Some popular accompaniments include crackers, crostini, pretzels, and crudités.

Create a visually appealing presentation. Arrange the cheeseballs on a platter or plate with their toppings and accompaniments. You can also use toothpicks or skewers to make them easier to pick up.

FAQS

What Kind of Cheese is Best for Mini Cheeseballs?

The best type of cheese for mini cheeseballs is a combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese. Cream cheese provides a smooth, creamy base, while cheddar cheese adds a sharp, savory flavor. You can also use other types of cheese, such as Colby Jack or pepper jack, to create a different flavor profile.

How Long do Mini Cheeseballs Last in the Refrigerator?

Mini cheeseballs can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

Can I Freeze Mini Cheeseballs?

Yes, you can freeze mini cheeseballs. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last in the freezer for up to 2 months. To thaw, let them sit in the refrigerator overnight or defrost them in the microwave.

What are some good toppings for mini cheeseballs?

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings for mini cheeseballs. Here are a few ideas:

• Chopped nuts: pecans, walnuts, almonds
• Dried cranberries
• Fresh herbs: chives, parsley
• Crumbled bacon
• Everything bagel seasoning
• Sesame seeds
• Paprika

What are some Good Accompaniments for Mini Cheeseballs?

Mini cheeseballs can be served with a variety of crackers, crostini, pretzels, and crudités. Some popular options include:

• Ritz crackers
• Wheat thins
• Toasted baguette slices
• Pretzel sticks
• Carrot sticks
• Celery sticks
• Cucumber slices

Love Cheesy Appetizers? Check out These!

• Cheesy Caramelized Onion Bites
• Easy Christmas Tree Cheese Board
• Cheese-Stuffed Peppers