Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
Festive and elegant, these bite-sized cheese balls are packed with creamy goat cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs—perfectly perched on crackers for a party-ready appetizer with minimal effort. These savory-sweet morsels are ideal for holiday gatherings, wine nights, or any event where you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These mini cheese ball bites are the ultimate make-ahead appetizer. They offer a sophisticated balance of tangy goat cheese, sharp cheddar, and the sweetness of honey and cranberries, all finished with the crunch of toasted pecans. Each bite delivers layers of flavor and texture, and they look beautiful on any appetizer spread. No cooking or baking is required, and they can be assembled in advance for easy entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 8 oz goat cheese (or cream cheese)
- 4 oz sharp white cheddar, shredded
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¼ cup toasted pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon honey (plus more for drizzling)
- Pinch of black pepper
- 24 crackers (mini rounds or dippers)
Directions
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the goat cheese, shredded cheddar, honey, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- In a separate shallow dish, combine the finely chopped cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
- Scoop out small portions (about 1 teaspoon each) of the cheese mixture and roll into bite-sized balls using your hands.
- Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture until evenly coated on all sides.
- When ready to serve, gently press a cracker into the top of each cheese ball to create an easy-to-hold bite-sized appetizer.
- Arrange on a serving board and drizzle lightly with honey for an elegant finish.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 24 mini cheese ball bites.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time (optional): 15–30 minutes for firmer texture
Total time: 20–50 minutes
Variations
- Different Cheese Base: Use cream cheese, ricotta, or a mix of mascarpone and blue cheese.
- Fruit Swap: Replace cranberries with chopped dried apricots, dates, or figs.
- Nut-Free Option: Use crushed pretzels or seeds instead of pecans.
- Herb Variation: Try dill, thyme, or chives in place of parsley.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the cheese mix.
storage/reheating
Store assembled cheese balls (without crackers) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Add crackers and drizzle with honey just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
These bites are best served chilled or at room temperature. Reheating is not required.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of goat cheese?
Yes, cream cheese offers a milder flavor and a smoother texture, making it a great substitute.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes, the cheese balls can be made 1–2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Add crackers and honey just before serving.
What kind of crackers work best?
Mini round crackers, whole grain crisps, or any sturdy variety that won’t break easily are ideal.
How do I toast the pecans?
Spread chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and golden.
Can I freeze the cheese balls?
Freezing is not recommended as it may affect the texture. These are best made fresh or stored in the refrigerator.
Can I make larger cheese balls instead?
Yes, this recipe can be adapted to make 3–4 larger cheese balls for slicing and spreading.
Is it okay to omit the honey?
Yes, but the honey adds a touch of sweetness that complements the tartness of the cranberries and richness of the cheese.
How do I keep the cheese mixture from sticking to my hands?
Lightly wet or oil your hands before rolling to prevent sticking.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Just ensure the cheese does not contain animal rennet.
What drinks pair well with these bites?
These bites pair beautifully with sparkling wine, light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, or even a dry rosé.
Conclusion
Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites are a charming and flavorful appetizer that delivers sophistication with minimal effort. With their vibrant colors and dynamic blend of textures, they’re perfect for any festive table or casual gathering. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this recipe is sure to become a go-to for entertaining throughout the year.
PrintMini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites
Festives et élégantes, ces boules de fromage de la taille d’une bouchée sont remplies de fromage de chèvre crémeux, de canneberges sucrées, de pacanes croquantes et d’herbes fraîches, parfaitement perchées sur des craquelins pour un apéritif prêt pour la fête avec un minimum d’effort.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 24 bites
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 oz de fromage de chèvre (ou de fromage à la crème)
- 4 oz de cheddar blanc fort, râpé
- ¼ tasse de canneberges séchées, finement hachées
- ¼ tasse de pacanes grillées, finement hachées
- 1 cuillère à soupe de persil frais haché
- 1 cuillère à soupe de miel (plus pour arroser)
- Une pincée de poivre noir
- 24 crackers (mini ronds ou dippers)
Instructions
- Dans un bol, mélanger le fromage de chèvre, le cheddar, le miel et le poivre noir jusqu’à obtenir une consistance lisse et bien mélangée.
- Dans un plat peu profond, mélanger les canneberges hachées, les pacanes et le persil.
- Prélevez de petites portions du mélange de fromage (environ 1 cuillère à café chacune) et roulez-les en boules de la taille d’une bouchée.
- Roulez délicatement chaque boule de fromage dans le mélange de canneberges et de noix de pécan pour l’enrober.
- Juste avant de servir, appuyez un craquelin sur le dessus de chaque boule de fromage pour créer un « pop » de la taille d’une bouchée.
- Disposer sur un plateau de service et arroser légèrement de miel pour une belle finition.
Notes
- Laissez refroidir le mélange de fromage pendant 15 à 20 minutes avant de le rouler s’il est trop mou.
- Utilisez des mini bâtonnets de bretzel à la place des craquelins pour une présentation différente.
- Peut être préparé la veille et conservé au réfrigérateur ; ajoutez les craquelins juste avant de servir.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite with cracker
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: mini cheese balls, holiday appetizer, cranberry pecan cheese bites, goat cheese appetizer, party snack