My mini cheese ball holiday platter is made with bite sized cheese balls arranged like a festive tree. This adorable appetizer is easy, delicious, and fun!
mini cheese ball appetizer platter
Let’s be honest, cheese balls can be downright…cheesy. Not to mention unattractive and awkward to eat. Unless, that is, you do them right, like I do. These little minis are perfect little bite sized portions, and each one is a unique combination of cheese spread and topping. I got a little crazy with the combinations, but you can pare it down to one cheese and one topping for a simpler platter. Who knew cheese balls could be so glam!!
what you’ll need for a mini cheese ball appetizer platter
I use ready-made cheese spreads or flavored soft cheese like cream or goat cheese because the flavor and texture is superior to bland homemade cheese ball mixtures. It’s so much easier, too.
- spreadable cheese of your choice. You can go with just one, or a selection. I used Boursin, a cheddar spread, and a couple of other gourmet spreads, one with gorgonzola cheese, and one with hot peppers. If you like you can use flavored cream cheese or soft goat cheese for a subtler flavor. Just make sure your cheese is firm enough to roll into a ball.
- toppings for rolling the cheese balls. I raided my spice cabinet and pantry for my assortment which includes dill, chives, Everything Bagel blend, sesame seeds, fennel seeds, poppy seeds, za’atar, sumac, ground almonds, walnuts, and pecans.
- a small scoop comes in handy for portioning out the cheese spread so all your balls are equal sized.
how to make mini cheese balls
- Use a small scoop or tablespoon to scoop out equal portions of cheese spread and roll into small round balls with your hands.
- Toss each ball in the toppings of your choice.
- Use right away or set on a plate and chill in the fridge until serving.
creative topping ideas for cheese balls
- dried green herbs like thyme, dill, chives.
- spice blends like everything bagel, Italian seasoning, za’atar, etc.
- finely ground nuts like pistachio, walnut, almond, hazelnut, or pecan.
- seeds like sesame, poppy, fennel, celery, or anise.
- dried spices like sumac, black or pink pepper.
- bacon bits or dehydrated onions or garlic.
- finely crushed snack chips like Fritos, Doritos, and Cheetos.
to assemble your holiday cheese ball tree
- Choose a flat oblong platter, preferably rectangle. You can also use a cutting board for more space.
- Start at the top of the tree, with one cheese ball.
- Use two balls for the next level, then three, and four, etc. as your tree gets wider.
- Add as many levels as your platter can accommodate. My tree is made from 36 cheese balls.
- Finish with a ‘trunk’ of cheese spreaders, and a couple of herb sprigs along the bottom of the tree.
- Fill out the plate with crackers.
how to eat your cheese balls
- Pop a cheese ball on a cracker.
- Use a spreading knife to ‘schmear’ it. The cheese and the coating will mingle beautifully.
- Devour!
helpful hints for making mini cheese balls
While they do look festive, my multi-colored balls are best for adventurous eaters. If you’ve got a pickier bunch to feed, stick to a tried and true cheese spread for your base, and a simple coating like crushed nuts or everything bagel seasoning.
Dried coatings are best. Fresh herbs won’t work well.
The cheese balls can be made ahead and refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap, earlier in the day. If you’re using crushed chips to coat your balls, do that just before serving so they stay crunchy.
The best way to serve mini cheese balls is with plain crackers or thin slices of toasted bread. Be sure to provide plenty of spreading knives.
One mini cheese ball is a single serving. Allow 3 per person.
more easy and festive appetizers
- Festive Olive Wreath Appetizer
- Baked Brie with Apples, Pecans, & Maple Syrup
- Crudité is the new charcuterie!
- Smoked Trout Dip
- 7 Layer Smoked Salmon Dip Recipe
- Swedish Cocktail Meatballs
- How to Make an Epic Cheese Board
- Naughty and Nice Party Mix Recipe
Mini Cheese Ball Appetizer Platter
Equipment
- large platter, preferably rectangle
- tablespoon sized scoop
Ingredients
- 1 lb spreadable cheese of your choice, either one kind or a variety. Note: amount is approximate, you may not need it all, depending on how large you make your balls.
topping ideas
- dried herbs like dill, tarragon, thyme, chives
- bacon bits or dehydrated onions or garlic.
- finely crushed snack chips like Fritos, Doritos, and Cheetos
- spice blends like everything bagel, Italian seasoning, za’atar, etc.
- dried spices like sumac, paprika, black or pink pepper.
- finely ground nuts like pistachio, walnut, almond, hazelnut, or pecan.
- seeds like sesame, poppy, fennel, celery, or anise.
Instructions
- Scoop rounded tablespoons of cheese and roll into smooth balls with your hands.
- Toss each ball in the toppings of your choice, making sure to get the whole ball evenly coated.
- Either serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to enjoy. Note: I don't recommend making these more than about 6 hours before serving.
to assemble a cheese ball tree
- Start at the top of the tree, with one cheese ball. Use two balls for the next level, then three, and four, etc. as your tree gets wider. Add as many levels as your platter can accommodate. My tree is made from 36 cheese balls. Finish with a ‘trunk’ of cheese spreaders, and a couple of herb sprigs along the bottom of the tree. Fill out the plate with crackers.
Notes
Nutrition
I love the mini cheese ball Christmas tree platter. Fabulous idea it will be on my holiday open house table
Fabulous flavors and so attractive!
Love so many of your recipes.
This was such a great recipe and not hard at all! I am excited to make it again for Christmas day!
This looks amazing! What do you use for the ones with the bluish tint?
I went a little crazier with my coatings than most would because I’m just that way, but I think the one you’re looking at is poppy seed. It takes on a blueish tint.
The tree is very festive Sue! Christmas 2019, I made your ‘Festive olive wreath’ appetizer and our guests were amazed at the clever and festive way to arrange a platter. I know the tree will get the same reaction. For larger gatherings it would be fun to put both on the table. Thank you for sharing your creativity with us Sue!
I’m so glad you made the wreath, that was definitely in my mind when I created this! Happy Holidays <3
Fabulous presentation!
Thanks Ellen 🙂
This is an ingenious idea – easy to eat, attractive and easy to prepare!
Thanks for sharing!
We had a lot of fun doing this post, Cathy, hope you try it 🙂