Name: Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped; 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped; 1 tbsp fresh chives, minced; 1 tsp maple syrup (optional); 1/2 cup chopped pecans (for coating); 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries (for coating)

Bite-sized, creamy cheese balls rolled in a festive mix of sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. I find these no-bake treats perfect for holiday parties, snack boards, or as a quick and elegant bite any time of year.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh chives, minced

1 tsp maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

1/2 cup chopped pecans (for coating)

1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries (for coating)

Directions

I mix cream cheese and shredded cheddar in a medium bowl until smooth.

I stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, cranberries, pecans, chives, and maple syrup (if I want a little sweetness).

Then I cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour so it firms up.

I combine the coating pecans and cranberries in a shallow dish.

After that I roll the chilled cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.

I roll each ball in the cranberry-pecan coating until fully covered.

I serve them right away or chill until ready. Sometimes I add pretzel sticks or place them with crackers for serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cheese bites. Prep time takes around 15 minutes, and I allow about 1 hour of chilling, so the total time is 1 hour 15 minutes. Each bite has about 105 calories.

Variations

I sometimes swap the white cheddar for goat cheese or blue cheese for a bolder flavor.

Instead of pecans, I like using walnuts or almonds.

For a festive twist, I occasionally roll them in pomegranate arils instead of cranberries.

I’ve also added a touch of honey instead of maple syrup for sweetness.

If I want more spice, I sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika.

Storage/Reheating

I store the cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If I’m making them ahead, I roll the mixture into balls and coat them just before serving to keep the coating fresh and crunchy. These cheese bites don’t need reheating since they’re served cold.

FAQs

Can I make these cheese bites ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and roll them in the coating just before serving.

Can I freeze these cheese bites?

I don’t recommend freezing them because the texture of the cream cheese and cranberries changes after thawing.

What can I serve with these cheese bites?

I like serving them with crackers, pretzel sticks, or on a festive cheese board with other snacks.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, I replace the pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version.

How can I make these cheese bites spicier?

I add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for extra heat.

Conclusion

I love how these Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites bring together creamy, tangy, and crunchy elements in one bite. They’re easy to make, versatile, and a perfect addition to any holiday spread or snack platter. When I want a no-fuss appetizer that still feels special, these cheese bites are always my go-to.

Recipe:

Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 12 cheese bites
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Bite-sized, creamy cheese balls rolled in sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. These no-bake treats are perfect for holiday parties, snack boards, or as an elegant anytime appetizer.