Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls: 7 Irresistible Bites

Name: Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls: 7 Irresistible Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp salt

Posted on November 28, 2025

Posted by Georgina sami

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls! They’re like little bites of joy that burst with flavor. Imagine creamy, tangy cheese paired with crunchy pecans and the sweet-tart goodness of dried cranberries—all rolled into a perfect little ball! I whip these up for gatherings, and they’re always the first to disappear. They’re not just delicious; they’re super easy to make and look so fancy on a platter. Trust me, once you try these little gems, you’ll be dreaming up reasons to make them again and again. Perfect for the holidays, game day, or just because!

Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened – Make sure it’s nice and creamy; this is the base of our delightful cheese balls!
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – I love using sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but feel free to go mild if you prefer.
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped – These add that sweet-tart zing that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
1/2 cup pecans, chopped – Crunchy and nutty, they’ll be the perfect coating for our cheese balls.
1/4 cup green onions, chopped – For a little freshness and color; don’t skip them!
1 tsp garlic powder – Just a hint of garlic to elevate the flavor; trust me, it makes a difference.
1/2 tsp salt – Enhances all the yummy flavors; adjust to your taste if you’re watching sodium.

How to Prepare Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls

Alright, let’s dive into the magic of making these Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls! I promise, it’s super straightforward and fun—just follow my steps, and you’ll have a show-stopping appetizer in no time!

Step 1: Mix the Cheese

First things first, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Now, use a spatula or a fork to mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want it to be creamy and cohesive—think of it as creating a dreamy cheese spread. Just be sure there are no big lumps of cream cheese left; a smooth texture means better cheese balls!

Step 2: Form into Balls

Now comes the fun part—forming the cheese mixture into balls! I like to use about a tablespoon of the mixture for each ball, making them around 1 inch in diameter. If you find the mixture is sticking to your hands, you can lightly wet your palms or coat them with a bit of oil to make things easier. Just roll them gently and place them on a plate or tray. Trust me, they don’t have to be perfect; a little rustic charm is always welcome!

Step 3: Coat with Pecans

Next, it’s time to give our cheese balls a crunchy makeover! Take your chopped pecans and spread them out on a plate. Roll each cheese ball in the pecans, making sure they’re evenly coated all around. This is where the magic happens—those pecans add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy filling. Just press a little to help the pecans stick, and you’re golden!

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Finally, pop those coated cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling is super important because it helps the balls firm up and allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Plus, they’re just so much better when they’re nice and cool! While you wait, you can sit back, relax, and dream about how delicious these will be at your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—only 20 minutes of hands-on time!
No cooking required, making it a hassle-free appetizer.
Perfect for entertaining—these mini cheese balls look gorgeous on any platter.
Deliciously balanced flavors with creamy, tangy cheese, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries.
Great make-ahead option—just chill and serve when you’re ready!
Versatile and customizable—swap in your favorite nuts or dried fruits for a personal touch.
Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing—everyone loves a tasty cheese ball!

Tips for Success

Ready to elevate your Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls to the next level? I’ve got some fantastic tips for you that’ll ensure your cheese balls are an absolute hit!

Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to get creative! If you’re not a fan of cranberries, dried cherries or apricots work beautifully as substitutes. For the nuts, walnuts or almonds can also add a delicious twist.
Mixing Techniques: When mixing, don’t rush! Take your time to blend the ingredients well. If you have a stand mixer, use it on low speed to avoid overmixing. You want that creamy consistency without lumps!
Flavor Boost: If you love a little heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture. It gives an unexpected kick that everyone will love!
Serving Suggestions: These cheese balls are perfect with a variety of dippers! Serve them with an assortment of crackers, fresh veggie sticks, or even apple slices for a sweet contrast.
Presentation: For a lovely touch, arrange the cheese balls on a platter with some fresh herbs or additional cranberries and pecans scattered around. It makes for a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress!
Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare these cheese balls a day in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge and let them chill. The flavors deepen overnight, making them even more delicious!

With these tips, you’ll be a cheese ball pro in no time! Can’t wait to hear how yours turn out!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of these delightful Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls! Keep in mind that these values are estimates based on common ingredients and can vary slightly depending on what you use. But here’s a general idea of what you’re looking at per cheese ball:

Calories: 90
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 120mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 5g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg

This makes them a pretty good option for a tasty appetizer without going overboard! Enjoy these little bites of goodness knowing they’re not just delicious but also a fun and balanced addition to your snack table.

FAQ Section

Got questions? No worries! Here are some of the most common queries I get about my Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls, along with all the answers you need to make your experience a breeze!

Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Absolutely! I love making them a day in advance. Just prepare them, cover them well, and pop them in the fridge. They’ll taste even better after chilling overnight as the flavors meld together!

How long can I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll last for about 3 to 5 days. Just remember to keep them chilled because of the cream cheese!

Can I freeze these cheese balls?
Yes, you can! If you want to make a batch for later, freeze them before coating in pecans. Just roll them out, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge and coat with pecans just before serving!

What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese if you need something vegan. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will change slightly, but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I use different nuts or dried fruits?
Of course! I love experimenting with different nuts like walnuts or almonds, and dried fruits like apricots or raisins can add a fun twist. Feel free to get creative and tailor them to your taste!

What should I serve with these cheese balls?
These little bites are fantastic with crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even slices of apple or pear for a sweet contrast. A nice fruit spread or a bit of honey drizzled on top can also elevate the flavor!

Are they gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients in these cheese balls are naturally gluten-free, but just make sure that the crackers or dippers you choose are also gluten-free if you have any dietary restrictions.

If you have more questions, feel free to reach out! I love hearing from fellow food lovers and am here to help you create the best Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls ever!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made a delicious batch of Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls, and now you’re wondering how to store the extras. First off, if you have any leftovers (which is a big if, because they’re so good!), you’ll want to keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 5 days. Just make sure to keep them chilled since they contain cream cheese!

Now, if you want to make these little gems ahead of time, you can absolutely freeze them! Just roll the cheese balls out before coating them in pecans, and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pop them in the freezer until they’re firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. They should keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them in the fridge overnight. Once they’re defrosted, roll them in pecans just before serving for that delightful crunch!

And just a little tip: don’t worry about reheating these cheese balls! They’re best served cold or at room temperature, so just pull them out of the fridge when you’re ready to serve. You’ll want that creamy texture and fresh flavor to shine, and trust me, they’ll be just as tasty as when you first made them!