I am always interested in learning new and interesting appetizers. And these easy cream cheese meatballs are one of those fun recipes that can honestly save a dinner or guests coming over at the last minute.
They look fancy, but don’t let that fool you. These are the kind of cheese meatballs you make without special tools, and without thinking too hard. Just simple ingredients and really good flavour.
How Did Cream Cheese Meatballs Happen
This easy meatballs recipe happened because I found myself with just too much cream cheese in my fridge.
Yes, cheesecake is always an option, but once you make one, you probably shouldn’t make another one right away, right?
So I decided to take something we already love, like meatballs, and see what would happen if I stuffed cream cheese inside. And fun things happened.
The cream cheese melts right into the meat and makes these meatballs with cream cheese super creamy, fluffy, and adorable.
They have this soft, rich texture inside and a nice golden outside.Plus, they are very easy to make.
What You’ll Need for Cream Cheese Meatballs
Ground beef – This is the base. I usually use beef, but I often like to mix with pork or ground lamb for more fat and flavour. If you do that, go with about 70% beef and the rest pork or lamb.
Cream cheese – Just a regular block of cream cheese. Make sure it is at room temperature so it mixes easily.
Egg – You need the egg to bring everything together and give the meatballs a nice texture.
Parmesan cheese – I like adding parmesan for an extra cheesy flavour. Fresh parmesan is better, but dried grated parmesan cheese will also work well.
Spice mix – To season the meat, use salt and black pepper to taste, plus add dried basil or oregano, chilli powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. This is the secret mix for best flavour.
Tip for Great Meatballs
I like using ice cream scoop to scoop equal portions of the meat. It makes shaping and rolling faster and with that, helps the meatballs cook evenly.
To make rolling easier and less messy, just wet your hands with a little water. The meat won’t stick, and everything goes much smoother.
I usually cook these cream cheese meatballs in a pan on the stove, but you can absolutely use an air fryer or bake them in the oven if that’s easier for you.
Why I Love These Cream Cheese Meatballs
I love these cream cheese meatballs because they are very easy to make.
The cream cheese also makes the meatballs super soft and creamy on the inside, so they never feel dry. Every bite is fluffy, cheesy, and delicious.
They are also very flexible. You can serve them as an appetizer, make them part of dinner, or even prep and freeze them for later. They work for guests, busy weeknights, and everything in between.
And honestly, I just love recipes like this – using everyday ingredients, the ones that save you time, and are absolutely delicious.
Make Ahead Tips
These cream cheese meatballs are perfect for making ahead, which is always a win.
You can prepare the meat mixture, roll the meatballs, and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. When you are ready, just cook them fresh in the pan and you are good to go.
You can also freeze them. Place the rolled meatballs on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. You can freeze them raw or fully cooked, both work great.
When you need them, cook frozen raw meatballs straight from the freezer (just add a few extra minutes), or reheat cooked ones gently in a pan or sauce.
These are the kind of meatballs with cream cheese that quietly save busy days and last-minute plans and I love having them ready to go.
Easy Cream Cheese Meatballs
Course: Main, SidesCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Medium4
servings10
minutes10
minutes530
kcal20
minutesThese cream cheese meatballs are soft, creamy, and so easy to make. Simple cheese meatballs made with everyday ingredients, perfect as meatballs with cream cheese for dinner or parties.
What You Need
500 g ground beef (or 70% beef and 30% ground pork or lamb for extra flavour)
1 egg
¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
½ cup flour
1 tablespoon dried basil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon chilli powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder or 1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
How to make cream cheese meatballs
- In a large bowl, add the ground meat and cream cheese cut into cubes.
- Using a fork, mash everything together until the cream cheese is well mixed into the meat.
- Add the egg and continue mixing.
- Add the spices, salt, and pepper and mix well.
- Add the parmesan cheese and mix again.
- Finish by adding the flour and mix until everything is well combined.
- Scoop the meat using an ice cream scoop or tablespoon. Wet your hands and roll into balls. Place all the meatballs on a plate or tray.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat, drizzle a little olive oil or avocado oil, and add the meatballs.
- Cook on medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Once nicely cooked, remove from the pan and let them cool slightly.
Notes
- You can swap the flour with bread crumbs instead. Whatever you use will absorb the extra moisture.
How to Serve the Meatballs
One of my favourite ways to serve these cream cheese meatballs is with homemade marinara sauce. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese to finish, add some fresh basil or parsley, and they are ready to serve.
You can also serve them on their own as little bites on a charcuterie board. They are amazing that way too. Or turn them into a quick dinner and make a simple tomato sauce for pasta. So many easy options here.
How to Store Leftovers
The best thing about these meatballs is how easy they are to reuse. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and warm them up in a pan.
You can also make the meatballs ahead and freeze them, either raw or cooked. They are such a lifesaver on busy days.
Cream Cheese Meatballs FAQ
Can I use a different meat?
Yes, absolutely. Ground pork, lamb, or even a mix works great. I like sticking to about 70% beef and 30% pork or lamb for extra flavour.
Do these meatballs taste like cream cheese?
Not in a strong way. The cream cheese melts into the meat and makes the meatballs soft, creamy, and fluffy. It doesn’t overpower, it just makes them better.
Can I bake or air fry these meatballs?
Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-30 minutes, or air fry until they are golden and cooked through. I still love the pan for the best colour, but all methods work.
Can I skip the flour?
The flour helps hold everything together, but you can swap it with breadcrumbs or even almond flour if that is what you have.
Are the cream cheese meatballs kid-friendly?
Absolutely. If you are cooking for kids, you can reduce or skip the chili powder. They are soft, mild, and my kids love them..
Can I make these ahead for a party?
Yes, and I highly recommend it. You can make them ahead, cook them, and reheat them in sauce right before serving.
Did You Make This Easy Meatballs Recipe?
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Hi, I’m Biba, the creator of Chick in Apron! As a busy mom and food blogger, I am passionate about making cooking fun and stress-free. I share simple, delicious recipes that are quick and easy to prepare, along with helpful kitchen hacks to save you time.
So, let’s turn cooking into something you enjoy with tasty meals and handy tips to make kitchen tasks a breeze! ✨
