Cheese truffles – mini cheese balls (keto, low carb)
Experience a burst of flavors with goat cheese, blue cheese, and classic cheddar cheese truffles (mini cheese balls).
Coated in a delightful blend of pomegranate, orange zest or pistachios, and almonds, these keto cheese balls are not just appetizers – they’re a festive and flavorful experience.
Easy to make, fun to enjoy, and a standout centerpiece for your holiday table. Elevate your entertaining with this delightful twist on the classic cheese ball.
Table of Contents
Why you will love this!
- Festive and fun, add a playful touch to your gatherings.
- Easy appetizer, crafted with basic ingredients for hassle-free enjoyment
- Packed with flavor, every bite promises an explosion of taste and satisfying crunch.
- Perfect appetizer for any gathering, a crowd-pleaser that fits every occasion
- Versatile and customizable, tailor to your taste and explore endless possibilities
- A crowd favorite, win hearts with these delightful mini cheese truffles
- For anyone on a keto diet, ideal for those following a low-carb diet, savor without guilt!
Mini cheese balls: 3 recipes
Equipment
For the recipe you’ll need these kitchen tools:
- 3 medium mixing bowls (one bowl for each flavor)
- 3 small bowls (one bowl for each coating)
- Spoons
- Fork or hand mixer/stand mixer
- Cutting board and a knife or a food processor
- Tray/baking sheet/ cutting board/ or large plate lined with parchment paper (optional)
- Plastic wrap
- Airtight container
Goat cheese balls
The beauty of the goat cheese balls lies in its simplicity. You can divide the goat cheese into small pieces, roll into balls and coat them . Yes, it’s that simple and looks fantastic!
If you want to add an extra touch, consider adding some chopped herbs, nuts, and seasoning.
Ingredients:
You’ll only need one ingredient:
- Goat cheese 100 g-200 g (3.5 oz.-7 oz.)
Servings: 6-8 balls per each block of goat cheese (100 g)
Divide a block of goat cheese into 6-8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball with your hands.
Cheddar cheese balls
These cheddar cheese balls are my personal favorite: loaded with cheddar cheese, cream cheese, crunchy nut bites, and sausages. If you want to make only one type of mini cheese balls-make these!
Ingredients:
To make cheddar cheese balls you’ll need:
- 180 g (6 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 90 g (3 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 40 g (1.4 oz/1.4 cup) sausages/crumbled bacon/ham/ salami, chopped
- 30-40 g (3-4 tbsp./1.4 cup) nuts, chopped (walnuts/almonds/pistachios/pecans), optionally toasted
- 3-4 tbsp. green onions, chopped
- 2-4 tbsp. dill/parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce (optionally)
Instructions:
In a mixing ball combine shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, and mix well.
Next, add seasonings, chopped nuts, dill, and green onions. Mix everything until combined. Add sausages and mix again. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Once chilled, scoop out one teaspoon of cheese mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat with all the remaining cheese and then coat as desired.
Blue cheese balls
These blue cheese balls have a bright sophisticated sour flavor and a contrast of textures: smooth creamy cheese plus chunky bits in every bite.
Ingredients:
For these blue cheese balls, prepare these ingredients:
- 180 g (1 cup/6.4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 80 g (3 oz./2.3 cup) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 50g (1.7 oz/1.4 cup) blue cheese, crumbled
- 30-40 g (3-4 tbsp./1.4 cup) chopped nuts(walnuts/almonds/pistachios/pecans), optionally toasted
- 1-2 tbsp. green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp. dill/parsley, chopped
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- black pepper to taste
Optional add-ins:
- 12 olives (30-40 g), chopped
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, place softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
You can do it either with a hand mixer/stand mixer or just with a fork.
Add chopped olives, dill, nuts, green onions, and seasonings to the cheese mixture. Mix well until combined.
Cover with plastic wrap and place and refrigerate for 30 minutes – 1 hour or overnight.
Once chilled, scoop out one teaspoon of cheese mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat with all the remaining cheese and then coat as desired.
Coat cheese balls
The final step is to coat cheese truffles. You can do it two or three hours ahead of time. I don’t recommend doing it too early, so the coating will stay crunchy until it’s time to serve them.
Prepare the coatings:
Crush the nuts in a food processor or chop them with a knife, then place in a bowl.
Place pomegranate seeds in a bowl and add orange zest.
Place each ball in a bowl/ plate and roll until fully coated. Gently press the coating to the ball, so it sticks.
Place the coated cheese balls in an airtight container or on a plate covered with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for a few hours, if needed.
When you’re ready to serve, take the cheese balls out of the refrigerator about 15-30 minutes before serving to allow them to come to a slightly warmer temperature.
Creative coating ideas
Fresh Herb Delight: Roll your cheese balls in finely chopped green onions, chives, dill, mint, or parsley for a burst of herbal freshness.
Nutty Crunch: Elevate your cheese balls with a crunchy coating of pecans, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or any other nuts of your choice.
Bacon Bliss: Indulge in the savory goodness of bacon bits encasing your cheese balls for a delightful smoky flavor.
Citrus Zest Elegance: Add a zesty kick by rolling your cheese balls in lime, orange, or lemon zest for a citrusy burst.
Smoky Paprika Infusion: Infuse a smoky and mildly spicy flavor by coating your cheese balls in smoked paprika.
Sesame Sophistication: Optionally roast sesame seeds for a subtle nuttiness and a touch of sophistication.
Peanut Perfection: Coat your cheese balls with chopped peanuts for a hearty and crunchy bite.
Berrylicious Touch: Explore the sweet and tangy side by using unsweetened dry cranberries to coat your cheese balls.
Mediterranean Magic: Roll your cheese balls in a mix of olives and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Pomegranate Pop: Add a burst of color and sweetness by rolling your cheese balls in vibrant pomegranate seeds.
Experiment with these coatings to create a symphony of flavors and textures that will impress your guests!
For my cheese truffles, I’m using crushed pistachios, smoked almonds, almond flakes, and pomegranate seeds with orange zest:
Cheese balls serving ideas
What to serve with cheese truffles?
Serve keto cheese truffles with:
- Vegetables: bell pepper, carrot, and celery sticks or radish and cucumber slices.
- Keto crackers: flaxseed crackers, almond flour crackers, or your favorite low carb crackers.
How to serve mini cheese balls?
Christmas and New Year:
- Serve mini cheese balls as a wreath on a marble tray, board, or plate with rosemary sprigs/thuja twigs.
- Assemble cheese truffles as a Christmas tree on a board.
- Create an eye-stopping Christmas tree cheese ball.
FAQ
How to store cheese balls?
Store mini cheese balls in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Avoid freezing as the texture of a cheese ball may change after freezing.
Can I make a cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cheese balls ahead of time.
- The first way is to prepare the cheese mixture and refrigerate it in an airtight container until you’re ready to roll the balls.
- Alternatively, shape the cheese mixture into the cheese balls and place them in an airtight container.
It’s better to avoid store coated cheese balls for a long time, because the coating won’t stay crisp and crunchy.
Can I eat pomegranate seeds on a keto diet?
Yes, you can enjoy this incredible fruit on a low-carb diet in moderation. Opt for pomegranate seeds and avoid pomegranate juice.
Pomegranate nutritional facts (1 tablespoon):
Calories 9
Total carbs: 1.5 g
Dietary fiber: 0.4 g
Net carbs: 1.1 g
Protein: 0.2 g
Fat: 0.2 g
Check out this short video answer by Dr. Berg about pomegranate.
Nutritional information
Goat cheese truffles
Servings: 6 truffles
Nutritional value per one serving:
Calories 45
Total carbohydrate 0.2 g
Dietary fiber 0 g
Total sugars 0.2 g
Net carbs 0.2 g
Total fat 3.5 g
Saturated fat 2.4 g
Cholesterol 8 mg
Protein 3.1 g
Potassium 4 mg
Calcium 23 mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
Cheese cheese truffles
Servings: 17 truffles
Nutritional value per serving:
Calories 77
Total carbohydrate 0.8 g
Dietary fiber 0.3 g
Total sugars 0.2 g
Net carbs 0.5 g
Total fat 7 g
Saturated fat 3.7 g
Cholesterol 19 mg
Protein 3 g
Potassium 43 mg
Calcium 53 mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
Blue cheese truffles
Servings: 17 truffles
Nutritional value per serving:
Calories 81
Total carbohydrate 1.5 g
Dietary fiber 0.4 g
Total sugars 0.3 g
Net carbs 1.1 g
Total fat 7.1 g
Saturated fat 4 g
Cholesterol 19 mg
Protein 3.1 g
Potassium 58 mg
Calcium 69 mg
Disclaimer: The nutritional value provided is based on general information and should not be considered as a substitute for professional dietary advice or medical guidance. The values are derived from reputable sources, such as food databases or nutritional labels, but there may be variations in nutrient content depending on factors such as brand, preparation methods, and serving sizes.
Try these keto recipes next:
Cheese truffles (3 flavors)
Experience flavor bursts with goat, blue, and cheddar mini cheese balls. These keto cheese balls are festive delights for your holiday table—a flavorful twist on the classic cheese ball!
Ingredients
Goat cheese balls
- Goat cheese 100 g-200 g (3.5 oz.-7 oz.)
Blue cheese balls
- 180 g (1 cup/6.4 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 80 g (3 oz./2.3 cup) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 50g (1.7 oz/1.4 cup) blue cheese, crumbled
- 30-40 g (3-4 tbsp./1.4 cup) chopped nuts(walnuts/almonds/pistachios/pecans), optionally toasted
- 1-2 tbsp. green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp. dill/parsley, chopped
- 12 olives (30-40 g/2 tbsp.), chopped (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- pinch of black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder (optional)
Cheddar cheese balls
- 180 g (6 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 90 g (3 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 40 g (1.4 oz) sausages/crumbled bacon/ham/ salami, chopped
- 30-40 g (3-4 tbsp.) nuts, chopped (walnuts/almonds/pistachios/pecans), optionally toasted
- 3-4 tbsp. green onions, chopped
- 2-4 tbsp. dill/parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. paprika
- black pepper to taste
- 1/2 tsp. hot sauce (optional)
Coatings
- 40 g (1.3 oz./1.4 cup) crushed pistachios
- 40 g (1.3 oz./1.4 cup) smoked almonds
- 20 g (2-3 tbsp.) almond flakes
- pomegranate seeds from one whole pomegranate
Instructions
Goat cheese balls:
1. Divide a block of goat cheese into 6-8 pieces. Roll each piece into a ball with your hands.
2. Coat as desired.
Cheddar cheese balls:
- In a mixing ball combine shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, and mix well.
- Next, add seasonings, chopped nuts, dill, and green onions. Mix everything until combined. Add sausages and mix again. Cover with a plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Once chilled, scoop out one teaspoon of cheese mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat with all the remaining cheese and then coat as desired.
Blue cheese balls:
- In a mixing bowl, place softened cream cheese, crumbled blue cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well. You can do it either with a hand mixer/stand mixer or just with a fork.
- Add chopped olives (if using), dill, nuts, green onions, and seasonings to the cheese mixture. Mix well until combined.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place and refrigerate for 30 minutes - 1 hour or overnight.
- Once chilled, scoop out one to two teaspoons of cheese mixture and roll it into a ball with your hands. Repeat with all the remaining cheese and then coat as desired.
Prepare the coatings:
1. Crush the nuts in a food processor or chop them with a knife, and place them in a bowl.
2. Place pomegranate seeds in a bowl and add orange zest.
See other coating ideas in the notes.
3. Roll each ball in a bowl/ plate until fully coated. Gently press the coating to the ball, so it sticks.
Notes
Creative Coating Ideas:
- Fresh herbs, finely chopped. Use green onions, chives, dill, mint or parsley.
- Chopped nuts: pecans, walnuts, pistachios, almonds, or any other nuts you love.
- Chopped peanuts
- Pomegranate seeds
- Sesame seeds
- Crumbled bacon
- Lime/orange/lemon zest
- Smoked paprika
- Unsweetened dry cranberries, chopped
- Olives, chopped
- Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped