Description
Bite-sized, festive, and bursting with flavor—these mini cheese balls are creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy all at once. They’re the modern spin on grandma’s classic party cheese ball, but in perfectly portioned bites that disappear the second you set them out. With just 20 minutes of prep and a quick chill, you’ll have the kind of appetizer that sparks conversation and keeps everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (or half cheddar, half goat cheese)
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½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (soaked in OJ for extra brightness, optional)
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½ cup pecans, toasted & finely chopped
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2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
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½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks, for serving
Instructions
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Mix Base: Combine cream cheese, cheddar (and goat cheese if using), garlic powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
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Fold In Flavor: Stir in half of the cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Save the rest for coating.
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Chill: Cover and refrigerate 20–30 min to firm up.
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Roll: Scoop 1-inch portions and roll into smooth balls.
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Coat: Roll each ball in remaining cranberries, pecans, and parsley until fully covered.
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Serve: Arrange on a platter with crackers or veggies. Keep chilled until party time.
Notes
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Everything Bagel: Swap pecans for bagel seasoning + add chives.
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Pineapple Jalapeño: Sub cranberries with dried pineapple + minced jalapeño.
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Maple Bacon: Fold in crumbled bacon + drizzle maple syrup into the base.
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Nut-Free: Use sunflower seeds or pepitas instead of pecans.
Nutrition
- Calories: 95 cal Per Serving
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 3g