Holiday Mini Cheese Ball Bites

Fun for kids to make, these Holiday Mini Cheese Ball Bites are sure to bring joy to any plate. Simply roll cheese wedges in seasoning and customize into a tree or reindeer. Now you have a festive, delicious, and easy to eat party appetizer!

Holiday Treats

Holiday treats are so fun, especially when kids can be involved. Though a quick Pinterest search reveals that many “no bake” treats involve cookies and sweets.

And while I’m not complaining, it is nice to have options that diffuse the sugar a bit.

Cheese balls are always a hit on holidays. But they can be tedious to make and serve. This recipe solves those problems– easy to make and easy to serve.

And just because it’s not a sugar cookie doesn’t mean you can’t decorate it.

Unwrap a new kind of magic this year!

Holiday Mini Cheese Ball Bites

Cheese balls can refer to any of the following– cheese spread, cheese puff, baked cheese, etc.

In this recipe, cheese ball refers to a spreadable cheese wedge covered in tantalizing Dill or “Everything” seasoning and customized into holiday shapes using bell pepper, pretzel and almond pieces.

And while considered a “spreadable cheese,” the small size makes it a great option to eat like a “ball.”

So if you’re looking for a low stress (and low mess!!!) option to make in the kitchen this time of year, here you go. Enjoy a healthier, cheesy option on that plate of treats!

Why We love these mini cheese Bites

Some highlights of this recipe:

• Quick and easy to make– no bake or prep, just decorate!
• Kid friendly
• Perfect addition to any appetizer plate on Christmas Eve
• Healthy way to eat cheese
• Finger food!
• More practical than a big cheese ball

Ingredients

Just a few things needed for these darling shapes:

• Spreadable Cheese Wedge
• Dill Seasoning
• Everything But the Bagel Seasoning
• Pretzel Sticks
• Diced Bell Pepper (yellow and red)
• Crushed Almond pieces

How do I make these?

Turn up that Christmas music and have some fun in the kitchen! You can make this simple snack two ways

Tree Mini Cheese Ball Bites

• Gather ingredients
• Sprinkle dill seasoning into bowl or plate
• Open cheese wedge and cover it into seasoning
• Add bell pepper pieces
• Insert pretzel stick at bottom for tree stump
• Serve

Reindeer Mini Cheese Ball Bite

• Gather ingredients
• Sprinkle Everything but the Salt Seasoning into bowl or plate
• Open cheese wedge and cover it into seasoning (you may need to sprinkle a little on)
• Add bell pepper “nose” and almond “eyes”
• Insert pretzel sticks at top for “antlers”
• Serve

How to Eat

These festive cheese wedges make a great addition to those cookie plates, holiday buffets, or wine and cheese parties.

They are also fun in lunch boxes or even paired with apple for snack.

Easy to pick up thanks to the pretzel, you can eat them in one in bites or dip/spread with crackers or veggies.

Tips/Tricks

• Unwrap cheese from foil package immediately upon removing from fridge (the warmer it gets, the more it tends to stick to the foil)
• Broken pretzel sticks at the bottom of the bag work well here
• Will soften slightly as sits out in room temperature– perfect for spreading crackers!
• Many stores carry their own brands of spreadable cheese wedges
• Can use anything for “decorate” trees/reindeers– olives, sprinkles… my son suggested chocolate chips– not a bad idea! 😉
• Also– if some cheese falls apart while decorating, no fret! Just improvise and have fun! My son ended up rolling some smaller balls in seasoning (see below!)

Are these healthy?

Yes! These individually wrapped cheeses are lower in fat and calories and a great option for portion control.

The combination of seasoning against the creamy cheese will satisfy without overindulging. And I love how the ‘Everything but the Salt’ seasoning by Mrs. Dash is salt-free.

What a fun, healthy way for kids to kids to “cook” this season. Did you know children are more likely to eat something that they’ve made? And all of a sudden, that bell pepper may be pretty enticing when it’s Rudolph’s nose!

A serving of cheese is 1 wedge, but I’m here to tell you that you can enjoy a tree AND a reindeer on your plate! 😉

Interested in Something Similar?

Looking for kid friendly, low stress holiday ideas? Check out:

• Healthy Hot Chocolate

Full Heart

If this recipe added extra joy or nutrition into your day, I’d love to know. Please leave a comment below. And share the gift of easy with another mom this holiday season! Be sure to tag me in your creations so I can see your Holiday Mini Cheese Ball Bites. Thank you!