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Mini Cranberry Cheese Balls

Thanks for sharing!

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.

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 in spreadable appetizer form.

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.

small plate of mini cranberry cheese balls and crackers on plate with platter of cheese balls in background

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 Individual Cranberry Cheese Balls

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 it right onto a small pile of chopped pecans.

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

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

pile of chopped pecans, small cookie scoop full of cranberry cheese ball mixture and a couple of finished 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. That allows for better flavor and spreading consistency.

If you don’t like blue cheese, feel free to substitute feta. We’ve had friends do this and enjoy them.

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!

platter of individually sized cranberry cheese balls ready to serve.

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 if it’s the cranberry and blue cheese combo that drew you in, check out my fall dinner salad. It mixes these flavors with greens, apples and a simple homemade vinaigrette.

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

Yield: 24 Mini Cheese Balls

Mini Cranberry Cheese Balls

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

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.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 3/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (feta would work if you prefer)
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped
  • pretzel sticks and crackers for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine cream cheese, blue cheese, cranberries and hot sauce in a food processor.
  2. Process until completely blended.
  3. Form into small balls a Tablespoonful at a time, a small cookie scoop is perfect for this. Roll in chopped pecans.
  4. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 
  5. Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature. 

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

24

Serving Size:

1 cheese ball

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 114Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 95mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

All nutritional information is estimated and will depend on the exact ingredients you use.

Did you make this recipe?

I'd love to see it! Share a picture on Instagram or Pinterest and tag me @carleecooks to let me know how it went!

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.

Thanks for sharing!

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!

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