Irresistible Cheesy Bites
These Irresistible Cheesy Bites are the ultimate party snack that will have your guests coming back for more! Made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese and buttery goodness, these savory morsels are so addictive they won't last long at any gathering. From lively get-togethers to cozy movie nights, these cheesy nuggets are a hit every time. You can make a big batch ahead of time, freeze them, and bake whenever the craving strikes. With options to include pimento-stuffed olives or crunchy pecans, you can customize these bites to suit your taste. Trust me, once you try these bites, you’ll want to keep them stocked in your freezer at all times!
N/A
Servings
300
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
2 lbs (shredded)
Unsalted Butter
2 cups (softened)
All-Purpose Flour
5 cups (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Cayenne Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Pimento-Stuffed Green Olives
1 (8 ounce) jar (well drained (optional))
Raw Pecan Halves
as needed (for topping (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, softened unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, salt, and cayenne pepper. Mix until the ingredients come together to form a cohesive dough.
2
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
3
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls and place them on an ungreased baking sheet, spacing them at least 3 inches apart.
4
If desired, use the optional pimento-stuffed olives by forming each ball around one olive, or press a pecan half onto the top of each ball.
5
If you prefer, you can freeze the cheese balls at this point. Place them on a tray and freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer to freezer bags or an airtight container for long-term storage.
6
To bake from frozen, simply place the balls on an ungreased baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes. For thawed cheese balls, reduce the baking time to 13-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
7
Enjoy your irresistible cheesy bites hot from the oven!
Nutrition Information
22g
Fat
25g
Carbs
8g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Irresistible Cheesy Bites?
They are a savory party snack made with a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, butter, and flour, perfect for gatherings or movie nights.
What kind of cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for two pounds of shredded sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
Should I use salted or unsalted butter?
You should use two cups of softened unsalted butter.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 5 cups of all-purpose flour.
Are these cheesy bites spicy?
They have a mild kick from 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Can I make these cheesy bites ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough balls in advance and freeze them to bake later.
How do I freeze the cheese balls?
Place the formed balls on a tray and freeze for 30 minutes, then transfer them to freezer bags or an airtight container.
Do I need to thaw them before baking?
No, you can bake them directly from the freezer; just increase the baking time slightly.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
How long do I bake them if they are frozen?
Bake from frozen for 15-17 minutes.
How long do I bake them if they are thawed?
Bake thawed cheese balls for 13-15 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
What size should I make the cheese balls?
Roll the dough into 1-inch balls.
How far apart should I space the balls on the baking sheet?
Space them at least 3 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
Do I need to grease the baking sheet?
No, the recipe specifies using an ungreased baking sheet.
Can I add olives to these bites?
Yes, you can form the dough around a well-drained pimento-stuffed olive.
What type of olives are recommended?
Pimento-stuffed green olives are recommended if you choose to include them.
Can I add nuts to the recipe?
Yes, you can press a raw pecan half onto the top of each ball before baking.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 22 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in these bites?
There are 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the protein content?
Each serving provides 8 grams of protein.
How many ingredients are in the basic recipe?
The basic recipe consists of 5 main ingredients, with 2 optional toppings.
Is it better to shred my own cheese?
While the recipe just says shredded, freshly shredded cheese often melts better than pre-shredded varieties.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sharp cheddar is recommended for its bold flavor, but you can experiment with other hard cheeses.
How do I know when they are finished baking?
They are done when they appear golden brown and bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for large parties?
Yes, it makes a large batch and is a popular finger food for crowds.
What should I do if my dough is too crumbly?
Ensure your butter is sufficiently softened so it mixes thoroughly with the flour and cheese.
Can I add extra salt?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, but you can adjust to your taste preferences.
How should I serve these?
Serve them hot directly from the oven for the best texture and flavor.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as an appetizer, snack, cheese-based, party food, and freezer-friendly.