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Homemade Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites Recipe

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4.1 from 46 reviews

These Homemade Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Bites are delightful finger foods perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings. Creamy pepper jack and cream cheese combined with tart dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans create a flavorful, festive bite. Rolled in a bright coating of more cranberries, pecans, and fresh chives, then served with pretzel stick handles, these cheese balls are elegant yet easy to make ahead and serve.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 25 cheese ball bites

Ingredients

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives (divided)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper

For the Outer Coating:

  • 1 cup chopped dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
  • 2 tbsp chopped chives

For Assembling:

  • 25 thin pretzel sticks

Instructions

  1. Mix the Cheese Ball Base: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine softened cream cheese, shredded pepper jack cheese, 1 cup chopped pecans, 1 cup chopped dried cranberries, half of the chopped chives (about 1 tablespoon), salt, onion powder, and ground black pepper. Mix on medium speed until thoroughly creamy and well combined, scraping down the sides once or twice for even incorporation.
  2. Shape and Chill the Cheese Balls: Scoop 1 tablespoon portions of the cheese mixture and roll each into a ball using your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with wax paper. Refrigerate the tray for at least 2 hours to firm up the cheese balls, ensuring they hold their shape during coating.
  3. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor), 1 cup chopped dried cranberries, and the remaining chopped chives (about 1 tablespoon). Mix thoroughly to form an even coating.
  4. Coat and Finish the Cheese Balls: Remove the chilled cheese balls from the refrigerator. Roll each cheese ball in the coating mixture, covering all sides completely. Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each coated ball to create a bite-sized snack. Return the cheese balls to the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Softening the cream cheese to room temperature makes mixing easier and smoother.
  • Lightly toasting the pecans before chopping enhances their flavor and adds crunch.
  • Chilling the cheese balls before coating is essential to maintain their shape and make rolling easier.
  • Using thin pretzel sticks works best for a perfect bite-sized presentation.
  • Make these cheese balls a few hours or even a day ahead and keep refrigerated until serving.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/homemade-cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball-bites-recipe/