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.
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)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, chives, and maple syrup (if using).
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- In a shallow dish, combine the coating chopped pecans and dried cranberries.
- Roll the chilled cheese mixture into small balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
- Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan coating until fully covered.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Optional: add pretzel sticks or serve with crackers.
Notes
For a nut-free version, replace pecans with sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Can be made ahead: chill cheese mixture and coat just before serving.
Try goat cheese or blue cheese for a bolder flavor variation.
Add cayenne or smoked paprika for a spicy kick.
Do not freeze—texture changes upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese bite
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
