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.
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
- Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
- Recipe variations and substitute
- Necessary gear: Equipment
- Related Recipes
- How to store leftovers
- Mel's kitchen notes
- Frequently asked questions: FAQs
- Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
- Fan Favorite Recipes
- 💬 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
- Cream Cheese
- Pepper Jack Cheese
- Dried Cranberries
- Pecans
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Chives
- Pretzel sticks
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Add the ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer. Beat with the paddle attachment.
- Step 2: Roll into balls and refrigerate.
- Step 3: Mix the remaining ingredients together.
- Step 4: Roll the refrigerated cheese balls in the pecan mixture.
- 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.
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Necessary gear: Equipment
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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.
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.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
There are many, but some of the most popular are cheddar, cream cheese, goat cheese and brie.
Allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours is what helps the cheese ball stay nice and firm.
If you’ve tried this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
Video
Equipment
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
Nutrition
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