Name: Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (16 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened to room temperature; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese; 1/3 cup green onions, chopped; 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1 tsp garlic salt; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp black pepper; 1 cup pecans, chopped; 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Introduction

Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls are a delightful and festive appetizer perfect for gatherings or holiday parties. These bite-sized treats combine creamy cheese with crunchy pecans and sweet-tart cranberries for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both flavorful and easy to make.

Ingredients

2 (16 oz) blocks cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
2 cups pecans (chopped and divided)
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1/3 cup green onions (chopped)
2 cups dried cranberries (chopped and divided)
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp pepper
1/3 cup chopped parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Line a large tray with parchment paper and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of chopped pecans, shredded white cheddar, green onions, 1 cup of dried cranberries, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Use a hand mixer on low speed to blend everything until smooth and evenly mixed.
Step 2: Scoop about 2–3 tablespoons of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball. Set it on the prepared tray. You can make them bite-sized or a little larger, depending on your preference.
Step 3: Once all the cheese balls are rolled, cover the tray with plastic wrap and refrigerate for about an hour to let them firm up.
Step 4: On a large plate, mix together the remaining chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley. Roll each chilled cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated, gently pressing to help everything stick.
Step 5: Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks. For a festive touch and easy handling, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball to serve as a garnish and a handle.

Tips & Variations

For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeño to the cheese mixture.
Try using smoked cheddar for a richer, smoky flavor.
Swap parsley with fresh rosemary or thyme for a different herb tone.
If you want smaller bites, reduce the scoop size to 1 tablespoon or less.

Storage

Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They may firm up more when chilled; allow them to sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best texture. Avoid freezing as it can change the texture of the cream cheese.

How to Serve

Six small cheese balls sit on a white plate on a white marbled surface. Each ball is coated with a mixture of chopped pecans, dried red cranberries, and green herbs, giving a textured look of brown, red, and green on creamy white. Each cheese ball has a thin pretzel stick inserted vertically into the top, adding a golden yellow color. Scattered around the plate and on the surface are more pretzel sticks. The background is softly blurred with warm tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the cheese balls up to a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. Just wait to roll them in the pecan and cranberry coating until shortly before serving to maintain the best texture.

What can I serve with cranberry pecan cheese balls?

These cheese balls pair wonderfully with crackers, pretzels, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots.