Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls Recipe
These Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls are a delightful appetizer that combines creamy cheese with the sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of pecans. Easy to prepare and perfect for entertaining, these festive bites can be made ahead of time and served chilled with your favorite crackers or bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Coating
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Mix the Cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Form Cheese Balls: Scoop out small portions of the cheese mixture and roll them between your palms to create mini cheese balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Prepare Coatings: On a plate, mix the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and chopped fresh parsley evenly.
- Roll the Cheese Balls: Roll each mini cheese ball in the cranberry, pecan, and parsley mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly on the surface.
- Chill: Place the coated cheese balls on a tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
- Serve: Serve chilled with crackers or sliced bread as a festive appetizer.
Notes
- For best results, soften the cream cheese by leaving it at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
- These cheese balls can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- For a different flavor twist, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika into the cheese mixture.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for variety.
Keywords: mini cheese balls, cranberry pecan cheese balls, appetizer, party snacks, holiday appetizers, no-cook cheese balls