Save Festive, bite-sized snack balls inspired by classic charcuterie flavors—perfect for holiday gatherings and grazing boards.
I created these snack balls for our annual holiday open house. They were devoured within minutes—a fun and colorful addition to our charcuterie board that everyone, from kids to adults, enjoyed.
Ingredients
- Soft goat cheese: 120 g (4 oz)
- Cream cheese: 120 g (4 oz), softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 100 g (3.5 oz), grated
- Prosciutto: 80 g (2.8 oz), finely chopped
- Salami: 80 g (2.8 oz), finely chopped
- Fresh chives: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Dried cranberries: 2 tbsp, finely chopped
- Roasted pistachios: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Walnuts: 2 tbsp, chopped
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: 1/4 tsp
- Chopped fresh parsley: 2 tbsp, for rolling
- Chopped pecans: 2 tbsp, for rolling
- Chopped dried cranberries: 2 tbsp, for rolling
- Finely crushed crackers: 2 tbsp, for rolling (use gluten-free if needed)
- Chopped chives: 2 tbsp, for rolling
Instructions
- Mix cheeses:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine goat cheese, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Add meats and mix-ins:
- Stir in prosciutto, salami, chives, dried cranberries, pistachios, walnuts, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
- Chill the mixture:
- Chill mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Form balls:
- Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion mixture into 24 bite-sized balls.
- Coat balls:
- Roll each ball in your choice of coatings (parsley, pecans, cranberries, crackers, chives) to cover completely.
- Serve:
- Arrange on a platter or charcuterie board. Keep chilled until ready to serve.
Save Every year, our kids help shape and roll these treats before guests arrive. It's become a joyful tradition that makes our holiday prep feel truly special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with toothpicks for easy handling, or add to a festive charcuterie board alongside fruits and crackers for a party-ready presentation.
Substitutions & Variations
Switch up the cheeses or omit meats for a vegetarian version. Blue cheese, gouda, or gruyère work beautifully.
Nutrition Information
Each snack ball has about 70 calories, 5 g fat, 2 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein. Ideal for holiday snacking in moderation.
Save Make these holiday snack balls once and they'll become a favorite festive tradition on your charcuterie spread.
Common Questions
- → What cheeses work best for snack balls?
Goat cheese, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar offer creamy texture and robust flavor. Blue cheese, gouda, or gruyère can also be used.
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Chill the snack balls after rolling and keep refrigerated until ready to serve for up to two days.
- → How do I prepare a vegetarian version?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the prosciutto and salami. Substitute with extra cheese or vegetable add-ins.
- → What coatings offer the best texture?
Use a mix of parsley, pecans, dried cranberries, finely crushed crackers, or chives to create varied texture and festive flair.
- → Are these suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, if you use certified gluten-free crackers for coating and check all ingredient labels for cross-contamination.
- → What wines pair well?
These pair well with sparkling wines, Prosecco, or light reds such as Pinot Noir for balanced entertaining.