Cranberry Cheese Balls
Cranberry Cheese Balls are a quick and easy appetizer that everyone loves! Reminiscent of the classic cheese ball, these holiday cheese balls are made with two types of cheese and coated with chopped dried cranberries and pistachios. Add pretzel sticks for easy serving, or drizzle with a tangy balsamic glaze for even more flavor!
If you’re tasked with bringing an appetizer to your holiday parties or even game day parties, may I humbly suggest these Cranberry Cheese Balls? This mini cheese ball recipe is so good, your guests will want more (and ask you for the recipe!)
SAVE THIS RECIPE FOR CRANBERRY CHEESE BITES TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
Why You’ll Love these Holiday Cheese Balls
They are fast and easy to make, which is so helpful during the busy holiday season!
It’s make-ahead friendly: You can make these the day before and keep them chilled until ready to serve.
A mouthful of flavor: fresh herbs flavor the cheese, and the nut and cranberry coating is just the right contrast to the smooth, creamy cheese!
Minimal ingredients: It doesn’t take a lot to make these cheese bites.
Ingredients for Cranberry Cheese Balls
Gather together these simple ingredients to make this easy appetizer:
Cream cheese, room temperature
Shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (it’s best if you can shred it yourself from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese)
Dried cranberries, roughly chopped
Chopped pistachios (see note below)
Fresh rosemary, chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper
Honey
Pretzel sticks (optional, for serving)
A detailed ingredient list is in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post!
Note: I used raw pistachios and added about 1/4-1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. If using salted pistachios, do not add the additional salt.
How to Make Cranberry Cheese Balls
In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, half of the dried cranberries, half of the chopped pistachios, rosemary, salt and pepper, 1 tablespoon parsley, and 1 tablespoon honey. Mix until everything is well incorporated, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining cranberries, chopped pistachios, and parsley.
Using a #60 cookie scoop or a tablespoon, shape the cream cheese mixture into individual balls. Roll each ball in the cranberry pistachio mixture to coat. If using pretzel sticks for serving, place one into each of the balls. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
If you’d like, drizzle with a Balsamic Glaze before placing on the serving platter for some added flavor.
Recipe Variations
You can swap the white cheddar cheese for sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, blue cheese, or goat cheese for a different flavor combination.
Try a different nut. Chopped walnuts, crunchy pecans, or almonds also make a perfect addition to dried cranberries.
Optional add-ins: garlic powder, diced green onions, onion powder, etc.
Serve them with sweet and savory crackers or toasted baguette slices.
FAQs
How do I store Cranberry Cheese Balls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Set them out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes! Make the cranberry cheese bites a day in advance (but don’t roll them in the nut/cranberry mixture yet!) Refrigerate until ready to serve. Just set at room temperature for 15 minutes, then roll in the nut mixture before serving.
Can I make these without nuts?
Yes, although the texture will be different without the crunchy nuts. Try crispy bacon, chopped into bits, or you could use some seeds.
More Cranberry Appetizers
There’s more to make with cranberries than just sauce! Try one of these delicious appetizers:
Cranberry Pecan Goat Cheese Bites
3 Ingredient Sugared Cranberries
If you enjoyed these Cranberry Cheese Balls, let me know in the comments or leave a recipe review!
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Cranberry Cheese Balls
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
You can also make or buy a Balsamic Glaze to drizzle over the top of them before serving to enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
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