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Home » Recipes » Appetizers

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites

A cake stand full of cranberry pecan cheese ball bites with a bite taken out of one.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites are the perfect little snack, with a crunchy pretzel stick for a handle on each one.
Prep Time :20 minutes mins
Total Time :2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Servings :25
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Published: Jun 24, 2025 · Modified: Jun 24, 2025 by Melanie Cagle · Leave a Comment

These perfect little cranberry pecan cheese ball bites are the best for parties and gatherings. They're like the traditional cheese ball, but in miniature form - making it a great finger food.

A close up of a cake stand that has cranberry pecan cheese ball bites, with pretzel sticks.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites

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Cranberries and pecans are naturally more of a fall inspired ingredients. These little bites of deliciousness are perfect for game day gatherings and Thanksgiving parties.

Jump to:
  • What makes this recipe so yummy
  • Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
  • Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites Recipe Instructions
  • Recipe variations and substitute
  • Necessary gear: Equipment
  • Related Recipes
  • How to store leftovers
  • Mel's kitchen notes
  • Melanie Cagle
  • Frequently asked questions: FAQs
  • Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
  • 💬 Comments

What makes this recipe so yummy

  • It's a very quick and easy recipe as well as a crowd pleaser.
  • There are just a handful of ingredients.
  • They look so cute and always impress for any holiday season gatherings, Christmas Eve and Holiday parties.
  • A great savory appetizer.

Groceries you'll need: Ingredients

Ingredients needed to make cranberry pecan cheese ball bites.

See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites Recipe Instructions

This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Ingredients needed to make cranberry pecan cheese balls in a mixing bowl about to be mixed together.
Step 1: Add the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat with the paddle attachment.
A baking sheet with rolled up cranberry pecan cheese balls.
Step 2: Roll into balls and refrigerate.
A small bowl with chopped pecans, cranberries and chives, ready to be mixed together.
Step 3: Mix the remaining ingredients together.
Cheese balls being rolled in chopped pecan mixture.
Step 4: Roll the refrigerated cheese balls in the pecan mixture.
A plate full of cranberry pecan cheese ball bites, with some fall decorations in the back.
Step 5: Stuff a pretzel stick into each one for serving.

Hint: Serve a few extra pretzel sticks, fruit (apple slices) and a variety of crackers on the side, in case someone wants extra.

Recipe variations and substitute

  • Cheddar Cheese - instead of pepper jack try a nice white cheddar cheese.
  • Parsley - favorite herbs instead of chives.
  • Green Onions - instead of chives.
  • Garlic Powder - instead of onion powder.
  • Worcestershire Sauce - add a little for umami.
  • Blue Cheese - if you prefer.
  • Maple Syrup - drizzle a little when serving.
  • Goat Cheese - turn these into goat cheese balls.
Close up of a cranberry pecan cheese ball bites with a bite taken out of the front one.

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Necessary gear: Equipment

The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

To make this recipe all I used was a stand mixer and a baking sheet.

I have some more information in the recipe card below.

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How to store leftovers

Store the cranberry pecan cheese ball bites in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Store them in an airtight container, for up to 1 week.

Mel's kitchen notes

I find about 1 Tablespoon is enough to make these cheese balls. You could make them bigger if you prefer, but then it becomes a bit much to handle.

About The Author

Melanie Cagle

Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.

Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.

About Mel
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Overhead shot of some cranberry pecan cheese ball bites.

Frequently asked questions: FAQs

What cheese goes good with cranberries?

There are many, but some of the most popular are cheddar, cream cheese, goat cheese and brie.

How do you firm up a cheese ball?

Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is what helps the cheese ball stay nice and firm.


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A cake stand full of cranberry pecan cheese ball bites with a bite taken out of one.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites are the perfect little snack, with a crunchy pretzel stick for a handle on each one.
Prep Time20 minutes mins
Refrigeration Time2 hours hrs
Total Time2 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
Servings: 25
Cuisine: American
Author: Melanie Cagle
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Equipment

  • Non-Stick Baking Sheets
  • Stand Mixer

Ingredients

  • 2 (8 Ounce) Blocks Cream Cheese softened
  • 2 Cups Pepper Jack Cheese shredded
  • 2 Cups Dried Cranberries chopped, divided
  • 2 Cups Pecans chopped, divided
  • ¼ Cup Chives chopped, divided
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 25 Each Pretzel Sticks

Instructions

  • Add cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, 1 cup of the chopped pecans, 1 cup of the chopped cranberries and half of the chopped chives into the bowl of your stand mixer, along with the seasonings.
    2 (8 Ounce) Blocks Cream Cheese, 2 Cups Pepper Jack Cheese, 2 Cups Dried Cranberries, 2 Cups Pecans, ¼ Cup Chives, 1 teaspoon Salt, 1 teaspoon Onion Powder, ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
  • Using the paddle attachment mix on medium until nice and creamy.
  • Take 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape into a ball, lay on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Repeat with the remaining cream cheese mixture and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Add the remaining pecans, cranberries and chives to a small bowl and mix together.
    2 Cups Dried Cranberries, 2 Cups Pecans
  • Take each cheese ball and roll in the mixture, to totally coat the outside. Stick a pretzel stick into each one.
    25 Each Pretzel Sticks
  • Keep in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Notes

Add more crackers etc to serve with these mini cheese balls.
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Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 250kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 499mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g

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Filed Under: Appetizers, Snack Recipes, Thanksgiving

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