If you don't have these Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls on your holiday appetizer table, we can't be friends. I'm kidding...kind of. 😁
They have ALL the flavors of Christmas rolled into one adorably delicious creamy bite. I like to serve them either on a cracker, or with a pretzel stick or cracker on top. This recipe uses cream cheese AND goat cheese because the flavor combination is out of this world...yes, even for all the goat cheese haters out there (my husband being one!)
Serve these mini cheese balls with another Crowd-Pleasing Finger Food Appetizer and you're party is set! May I recommend these Candied Holiday Pecans or my Cranberry Jalapeno Dip?
These cranberry pecan cheese balls are most popular around the holidays because of the flavor combination of pecans, dried cranberries and rosemary. The pop of red and green is also what makes these balls so perfect this time of year just like my Goat Cheese & Fig Jam Crostini.
They were inspired by my holiday biscuit cups and my candied pecans which are some of my favorite Christmas snacks.
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Ingredients
Most holiday cheese balls use 100% cream cheese however I think that makes the texture too stiff and the flavor a bit bland. So I incorporated goat cheese into my cream cheese to add a bit of a tang and creaminess.
- cream cheese- I suggest using your best full fat cream cheese. Philadelphia Cream Cheese is my favorite.
- goat cheese- Even if you don't like goat cheese, you will love the subtle addition of it here. It balances so well with the sweetness of craisins and nutty pecans.
- dried cranberries- Dried cranberries aka craisins are the best. Fresh are not recommended but dried cherries are a great substitute!
- pecans- I suggest using unsalted, unflavored pecans. We will be roasting them to improve their flavor even more.
- fresh herbs- Fresh is a must! Fresh chives and rosemary allow the fresh flavors to really come through and bright green color to shine!
📃 NOTE: You can print the FULL recipe with all ingredients & detailed instructions below!
Instructions
Step 1: Roast your nuts in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes.
Step 2: Add your nuts to a food processor to crush them. You want a coarse texture, not fully ground.
Step 3: Chop your craisins and herbs finely using a large chefs knife and combine them in a shallow bowl with your pecans. Set aside.
Step 4: Mix together the cream cheese, goat cheese and dried cranberries in a stand mixer or medium bowl using a hand mixer.
Step 5: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour to allow it to firm up.
Step 6: Scoop about 1 ounce of filling into the palm of your hands and roll into a round ball. Repeat with the rest of the cheese filling.
Step 7: Roll balls in the nut herb mixture until fully coated. Chill until ready to serve.
Hint: I love to use this mini 1 oz. ice cream scooper to get pefectly bite-sized balls like I did in my Sausage Cream Cheese Balls.
Substitutions & Variations
Missing a few ingredients? Don't like rosemary? Check out my recommendations below to make these cheese balls suitable for everyone.
- Nuts- crushed walnuts or almonds are the best substitutions.
- Herbs- Rosemary is a very strong herb that is most popular around Christmas time however you can replace with fresh thyme, basil or parsley.
- Goat Cheese- if you do not like or have goat cheese, you can omit it. The texture will just be harder.
- Cream cheese- Cream cheese is the base and gives your cheese balls the creamy but firm texture required to roll. You can substitute Neufchâtel or mascarpone if you prefer however the texture will be sacrificed a bit.
Equipment
Using a hand or standing mixer is the best and easiest way to cream together the cheeses.
I use this kitchenaid stand mixer because it's hands-off and easy but you can use a hand mixer if you wish!
Don't forget to grab yourself this mini ice cream scooper to help scoop your cheese balls and this mini food processor to make chopping nuts and herbs easy!
Storage
I do not recommend freezing your cheese balls. Cream cheese and fresh herbs will not thaw well so it's best to store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days until you're ready to serve.
Expert Tips
- Allowing your cheese to stiffen up in the fridge will help you to roll your mini cheese balls perfectly.
- Store cheese balls in the fridge until your ready to serve. They will soften as they come to room temperature.
- Make sure your dried cranberries are quality. Look for those in plastic containers near the cheese section rather than the bagged brands. Some brands are very dry and not very sweet.
- Drizzle honey over each after they are plated for added sweetness and shine.
- Chop your herbs and nuts finely.
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Mini Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls Appetizer
Ingredients
- 4 oz goat cheese
- 3 oz cream cheese
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 1 tablespoons fresh scallions, minced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or cherries, chopped finely
- ½ cup whole pecans
Instructions
- Roast your nuts in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 8 minutes. Remove your pecans and chop finely when cool enough to touch. Set aside.
- Mix your dried fruit, herbs and pecans in a shallow bowl. Set aside.
- Cream together the cream cheese, goat cheese and brown sugar in a stand mixer or in medium bowl using a hand mixer.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour. This will firm up your cheese allowing you to easily roll your cheese balls.
- Scoop about 1 ounce of filling into the palm of your hands and roll into a round ball. Repeat with the rest of the cheese filling.
- Roll cheese balls in the herb mixture until fully coated. Chill until ready to serve.
Recipe Notes
- Allowing your cheese to stiffen up in the fridge will help you to roll your mini cheese balls perfectly.
- Store cheese balls in the fridge until your ready to serve. They will soften as they come to room temperature.
- Make sure your dried cranberries are quality. Look for those in plastic containers near the cheese section rather than the bagged brands. Some brands are very dry and not very sweet.
- Drizzle honey over each after they are plated for added sweetness and shine.
- Chop your herbs and nuts finely.
Tried the recipe? I'd love to hear your thoughts below!