These Crispy Christmas Cheese Bites are the perfect savory treat to add some festive flair to your holiday gatherings. With a delightful crunch and cheesy goodness, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re simple to whip up, so you can spend more time enjoying the holiday cheer!
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese gives these bites a rich, tangy flavor that's hard to resist. The sharpness of the cheddar really shines through, making it the star of the show. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory depth and helps achieve that irresistible crispy texture. All-purpose flour acts as the binding agent, bringing all the ingredients together into a cohesive dough. Unsalted butter lends a creamy richness, balancing the cheese's sharpness. A touch of dried thyme introduces a hint of earthy, aromatic flavor. Garlic powder adds a subtle punch of savory goodness, while salt and black pepper round out the flavors, enhancing each ingredient.
These cheese bites pair beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or a light, crisp beer. They also make a great addition to a charcuterie board, alongside olives, cured meats, and fresh fruits. For a festive touch, serve them with a cranberry or fig jam for dipping.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your cheese bites don’t stick and makes for easy cleanup. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, flour, softened butter, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it forms a dough. You might find it easiest to use your hands to bring it all together — it should be slightly sticky but firm enough to hold its shape.
Once your dough is ready, roll it into 1-inch balls using your hands. These are the perfect size for bite-sized snacks. Place each ball on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading during baking. Gently flatten each ball with the back of a spoon; this helps them bake evenly and achieve that crispy texture. Slide your baking sheet into the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them towards the end to make sure they don’t burn. Once done, allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a serving platter.
Share