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Mini Cheese Balls With Cranberries

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Each of these mini cheese balls is perfect for topping just a couple of crackers. They are perfect for parties because each individual can grab one or two.

plate with 2 mini cranberry cheese balls, butter crackers and some cheese ball spread on crackers.

Mini individual sized cheese balls are perfect for a party. They are cute, easy to make and eliminate the worry of double dippers!

These cranberry, blue cheese, and pecan cheese balls combine some of my favorite salad toppers into the perfect spread for crackers. You can make it into one big cheese ball, or make them into cute little cheese ball bites like I did.

When planning a baby shower for our friend we just knew there had to be cheese balls.  They are always one of her favorites.

close up of plate filled with pecan coated cranberry blue cheese balls.

The problem is, serving from a large cheese ball in a buffet line like that can hold things up.  So, we thought it would be fun to do them as individual cheese balls instead!

All our guests had to do was grab one or two and move on.  If you put a pretzel stick in each one, you don’t even need utensils.

People can grab a pretzel and walk away with a cheese ball. Some people even eat them as is, nothing additional needed.

plate with mini cheese ball truffles, some spread on crackers.

We served them with crackers on the side in case people would want to spread them over the top like a traditional cheese ball.  Either way is completely fine.

These cheese balls have a fun mix of sweet and savory and are an unexpected addition to your menu. They are perfect for the holidays, parties, or even potlucks.

How to Make Cranberry Cheese Ball Bites

Though it’s not absolutely necessary, I love making cheese balls in a food processor. It’s a great way to quickly make chunky ingredients smaller and fully incorporate everything together.

dried cranberries, cream cheese, blue cheese etc. in food processor.

A small cookie scoop is a perfect way to portion the mixture. Scoop a Tablespoon of creese ball mixture onto a small pile of chopped pecans.

Gently roll the ball in the nuts to coat. Then roll the coated ball between your palms to shape.

This helps to keep your hands clean, so you can keep working. Once all of the cheese ball bites are formed, chill them until it’s time to serve.

Food processor with smooth mixture of dried craisins, cream cheese, blue cheese, and hot sauce ready to be made into cheese balls.

They can be made up to a couple of days in advance. Just be sure to cover them or put them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator.

Ideally they would have a chance to come to room temperature before you eat them. The flavors are more pronounced when the mixture isn’t cold and they are easier to spread as well.

If you don’t like blue cheese, feel free to substitute feta. They are really tasty either way.

pile of chopped pecans, small cookie scoop full of cranberry cheese ball mixture and a couple of finished cheese balls.

However I’ve also seen people who don’t like blue cheese eat plenty of these cheese balls. So give it a go if you’re on the fence!

More Great Recipes to Try

If you are a fan of different cheese balls, be sure to check out the recipe for the havarti cheese ball. It is super creamy and has a lovely flavor.

For another cranberry appetizer idea, try making cranberry jalapeno cracker spread. You could form it into cheese balls as well if you prefer.

Or try making a bacon bruschetta cheese ball. It has the fresh flavors of basil and tomato with savory bacon added for good measure.

Did you make this great recipe? Please leave a review in the recipe card below!

plate with 2 mini cranberry cheese balls, butter crackers and some cheese ball spread on crackers.

Cranberry Cheese Ball Bites

Carlee
Each of these mini cranberry cheese balls is perfect for topping just a couple of crackers. They are perfect for parties because each individual can grab one or two.
5 from 10 ratings
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Appetizers & Snacks
Cuisine American
Servings 24 Mini Cheese Balls
Calories 114 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • ¾ cup blue cheese crumbles
  • ¾ cup craisins
  • ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
  • cups pecans finely chopped
  • pretzel sticks and/or crackers for serving

Instructions
 

  • Combine cream cheese, blue cheese, cranberries and hot sauce in a food processor.
    8 ounces cream cheese, ¾ cup blue cheese crumbles, ¾ cup craisins, ¼ teaspoon hot sauce
  • Process until completely blended.
  • Form into small balls a Tablespoonful at a time, a small cookie scoop is perfect for this. Roll in chopped pecans.
    1½ cups pecans
  • Refrigerate until ready to serve. 
  • Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. 

Notes

If you don’t like blue cheese, you can use feta instead. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1cheese ballCalories: 114kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 2gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 95mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
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Recipe Rating




Andrea Nine

Wednesday 22nd of January 2020

You know I love me any kind of appetizer in ball form! Especially with cheese in it, these look and sound so good!

Amy (Savory Moments)

Wednesday 22nd of January 2020

These look terrific! We are a household of cranberries fans, so I know these would be a big hit!

Big Rigs 'n Lil' Cookies

Saturday 6th of February 2016

What a perfect appetizer!

Carlee

Saturday 6th of February 2016

Thank you! They are great for a party!

Michele

Monday 25th of January 2016

Those sound delicious! Love that you made them small for people to take. You're a smart cookie!

Carlee

Monday 25th of January 2016

I might just be impatient! People can move much more quickly through the food line if they can grab and go rather than stop and spread ;-)

Unknown

Monday 25th of January 2016

These look delicious! Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday!

Carlee

Monday 25th of January 2016

Thank you!