Elegant and festive, these mini cranberry pecan cheese ball bites are the perfect appetizer for holidays and special gatherings. With a creamy cheese center coated in a crunchy mix of cranberries, pecans, and herbs, each bite offers a balanced combination of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. Presented atop crackers or pretzel crisps, they’re as visually appealing as they are delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These cheese ball bites are the ultimate make-ahead party food. Easy to assemble and full of flavor, they require minimal prep and offer maximum presentation appeal. Their size makes them ideal for guests to enjoy without the need for utensils, and the blend of textures and tastes ensures they’ll be a standout on any appetizer table. Whether for holiday parties, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers, these bites are always a hit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 24 bite-sized crackers or pretzel crisps
- Optional: honey, for drizzling
Directions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Fold in half of the cranberries, pecans, and chives into the cheese mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives for the coating.
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll into a small ball using your hands. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
- Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan coating mixture until evenly covered.
- Place each cheese ball onto a serving tray and gently press a bite-sized cracker or pretzel crisp into the top.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes before serving to firm up the texture.
- Optionally drizzle lightly with honey just before presenting for an added touch of sweetness.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 cheese ball bites.
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Nut-free option: Replace pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely for allergy-friendly bites.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
- Different cheese: Try using goat cheese or blue cheese in place of or in addition to the cheddar.
- Fruit alternatives: Substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or apricots for a different flavor profile.
- Festive garnish: Add a sprig of rosemary or thyme on top for seasonal presentation.
Storage/reheating
Store the cheese ball bites (without crackers) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If assembling in advance, press the crackers in just before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy. These appetizers are not suitable for reheating or freezing.
FAQs
Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator and add the crackers just before serving.
How do I prevent the cheese balls from sticking to my hands?
Lightly oil your hands or wear food-safe gloves when rolling the cheese mixture into balls.
Can I use a food processor for mixing?
Yes, a food processor can be used to blend the cheeses, but fold in the mix-ins by hand to maintain texture.
What’s the best way to serve these at a party?
Arrange them on a platter with fresh herbs and serve with toothpicks or individual napkins.
Can I use different types of crackers?
Yes, mini rice crackers, bagel chips, or crostini also work well.
Are these bites gluten-free?
They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or pretzels.
Can I skip the garlic powder?
Yes, though it adds depth, you can omit it or replace it with a dash of onion powder.
What’s the best way to chop the cranberries and pecans?
Use a sharp knife or pulse gently in a food processor to avoid turning them into a paste.
Do these need to be served cold?
They are best served chilled or at cool room temperature to maintain firmness.
Can I make these without cheddar?
Yes, substitute with any firm, flavorful cheese such as gouda or Swiss.
Conclusion
Mini cranberry pecan cheese ball bites are an elegant and flavorful addition to any festive spread. With their creamy centers, sweet and nutty coatings, and charming presentation, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, they make entertaining both simple and stylish.
Print
Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elegant, bite-sized cheese balls coated in cranberries, pecans, and herbs, topped with crisp crackers for easy serving. These festive appetizers are creamy, crunchy, and slightly sweet—perfect for holiday platters or party spreads.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp white cheddar
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 24 bite-sized crackers or pretzel crisps
- Optional: honey, for drizzling
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Fold in half of the cranberries, pecans, and chives.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives.
- Scoop 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll into small balls. Then roll each ball in the cranberry-pecan coating until evenly covered.
- Place each ball onto a serving tray and gently press a cracker or pretzel crisp into the top of each.
- Chill for 15 minutes before serving. Optionally drizzle lightly with honey just before presenting.
Notes
- Use goat cheese for a tangier flavor twist.
- These can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the fridge.
- Skip crackers for a low-carb version and serve with toothpicks.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 105mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
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