Description

These Easy Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls are a delightful, bite-sized appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy winter evenings, or any celebration with friends and family. Creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet with a satisfying crunch, these mini cheese balls combine the classic charm of a traditional cheese ball with a modern, easy-to-serve twist. The addition of dried cranberries and toasted pecans adds a festive touch, making each bite a burst of flavor and texture. They’re perfect for entertaining because they can be made ahead, chilled, and served with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (or chives)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (divided)
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted (divided)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Crackers, pretzel sticks, or vegetable sticks for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and creamy.
Add Flavorings
Mix in the chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
Fold in Cranberries and Pecans
Add half of the chopped cranberries and half of the toasted pecans. Gently fold into the mixture to evenly disperse.
Chill the Mixture
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until firm enough to shape.
Prepare the Coating
On a plate or shallow dish, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and parsley. This will coat the mini cheese balls.
Shape the Mini Cheese Balls
Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll each portion between your palms to form smooth balls.
Roll in Coating
Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-parsley mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly.
Chill Again Before Serving
Place the coated balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to set the coating.
Serve and Enjoy
Arrange on a platter with crackers, pretzel sticks, or vegetable slices. Optionally, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each ball for easy serving.

Notes

Soften the cream cheese before mixing for a smooth texture.
Toast the pecans for added flavor and crunch.
Chilling the mixture before shaping helps maintain the balls’ shape.
Make-ahead friendly: store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
For nut-free options, replace pecans with crushed crackers or seeds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes