Mini Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Balls
These Mini Pecan and Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pretzel Sticks are creamy, crunchy, and perfectly festive! Made with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and a touch of garlic powder, then rolled in chopped pecans and dried cranberries, each bite is packed with flavor. The pretzel stick handles make them easy to grab and perfect for holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup finely chopped toasted pecans
- ½ cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- 24 pretzel sticks
- Optional garnish: honey drizzle rosemary sprigs, or flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Mix the Base: In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and fully combined.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes, or until firm enough to shape.
- Prepare the Coating: On a small plate, mix together the chopped pecans and dried cranberries.
- Shape the Cheese Balls: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cheese mixture and roll into 1-inch balls.
- Coat in Toppings: Roll each ball in the pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks evenly.
- Chill Again: Refrigerate until ready to serve, at least 30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
- Add the Pretzel Sticks: Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball for a fun, bite-sized handle.
- Serve: Arrange on a platter and garnish with rosemary or a drizzle of honey, if desired.
Notes
Make Ahead: Roll the cheese balls (without pretzel sticks) up to 2 days ahead. Keep refrigerated and insert pretzel sticks just before serving.
Flavor Twist: Mix a drizzle of honey or chopped fresh herbs into the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Nut-Free Option: Replace pecans with crushed pretzels or seasoned breadcrumbs for a similar crunch.
Freezing: Freeze uncoated cheese balls on a tray, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before coating.
Serving Tip: For a beautiful presentation, serve on a board surrounded by rosemary sprigs, extra cranberries, and a few extra pretzel sticks for dipping.