Description
There’s something truly magical about holiday gatherings—the laughter, the warmth, and the table filled with delicious appetizers that bring everyone together. Among all the festive finger foods, these Cranberry Pecan Party Cheese Balls are a crowd favorite that never fail to impress. They combine creamy, tangy cheese with the natural sweetness of dried cranberries and the delightful crunch of toasted pecans, creating the perfect bite-sized treat for any celebration. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or even a cozy weekend gathering, these cheese balls make entertaining both simple and spectacular.
Ingredients
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16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
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1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup finely chopped dried cranberries
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½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans (plus more for coating)
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2 green onions, finely sliced
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
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Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
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Crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
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Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the mixture to firm up.
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Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll between your palms until smooth.
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Combine extra chopped pecans and cranberries in a shallow dish. Roll each cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated.
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Place coated cheese balls on a parchment-lined tray, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
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Arrange on a serving platter with crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables. Garnish with herbs if desired.
Notes
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Let cheese balls sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
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You can prepare the mixture up to 2 days in advance and roll in coating just before serving.
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
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For a nut-free option, replace pecans with crushed pretzels, sunflower seeds, or chopped herbs.
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To freeze, store uncoated cheese balls in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and roll in coating before serving.
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Serve with apple slices, crackers, or celery sticks for a balanced sweet and savory appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes