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
Units
Scale
- 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
