Sweet Nutty Cheese Bites

These bite-sized treats blend creamy goat cheese with honey and cinnamon, then roll them in cranberries and pecans. They're easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday entertaining.

Clare Greco
Updated on Tuesday 03 December 2024
A close-up of several cheerful snack balls coated with chopped nuts and mixed with dried cranberries and herbs, presented in a white bowl.
A close-up of several cheerful snack balls coated with chopped nuts and mixed with dried cranberries and herbs, presented in a white bowl. Pin it
A close-up of several cheerful snack balls coated with chopped nuts and mixed with dried cranberries and herbs, presented in a white bowl. | Recipesbyclare.com

Looking for the perfect holiday appetizer? These cranberry pecan goat cheese balls are my secret weapon. They're creamy tangy and take just 30 minutes to make. The combination of sweet cranberries crunchy pecans and rich goat cheese creates irresistible bites that disappear fast at parties.

Holiday Magic

Nothing says festive like cranberries pecans and cheese. These little bites capture everything wonderful about holiday flavors. I make them every season with my husband Jorge and they never fail to wow our guests. We often serve them alongside our honey pecan cheese balls because in my kitchen there's no such thing as too much cheese.

What You Need

  • Goat Cheese: Plain fresh goat cheese gives the best flavor and texture
  • Cream Cheese: Makes everything extra smooth and balances the tang
  • Honey: For drizzling and mixing some natural sweetness
  • Pecans: Fresh and crunchy try walnuts or pistachios if you like
  • Dried Cranberries: They add festive color and sweet tartness
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds pretty green color optional but lovely

Let's Make Them

Mix Your Cheese
Beat goat cheese cream cheese cinnamon and honey until smooth. Fold in some pecans and shape into balls
Prep the Coating
Mix your remaining pecans cranberries and parsley
Roll and Finish
Roll each cheese ball in your cranberry mixture until well coated

My Kitchen Tips

No hand mixer? Your stand mixer works great. Want to skip parsley? Try green pistachios instead. Not a fan of goat cheese? Cream cheese or feta work beautifully. Use a cookie scoop for perfectly sized balls every time.

A plate of snack balls made from nuts, dried cranberries, and green ingredients, with a tray of additional snack balls in the background. Pin it
A plate of snack balls made from nuts, dried cranberries, and green ingredients, with a tray of additional snack balls in the background. | Recipesbyclare.com

Keep Them Fresh

These keep well in the fridge for 5 days in an airtight container. To freeze wrap each ball in plastic and pop in a freezer bag. Just thaw in the fridge before serving but know the parsley might lose some brightness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far ahead can I make these cheese balls?

You can make them up to 2 days ahead. Store in an airtight container in the fridge. The parsley may fade but they'll still taste great.

Can I make one large cheese ball instead?

Yes! Use half the coating ingredients (1/2 cup each pecans and cranberries, 1/4 cup parsley) for one large ball.

What's the best way to serve these?

Serve with crackers, warm crostini, or stick a toothpick or pretzel stick in each for easy grabbing. Drizzle with honey just before serving.

Why is my cheese mixture too soft to roll?

Make sure your cream cheese is cool enough. If it's too soft, chill the mixture for 30 minutes before rolling into balls.

Can I use different nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Try walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. Dried cherries or blueberries work great too. Keep the proportions the same.

Holiday Cheese Balls

Creamy goat cheese balls rolled in sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans and fresh parsley. An easy, festive appetizer perfect for holiday parties.

Prep Time
30 Minutes
Cook Time
~
Total Time
30 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 24 Servings (24)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 10 oz goat cheese.
02 6 oz cream cheese.
03 2 teaspoons cinnamon.
04 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for drizzling.
05 1 1/2 cups diced pecans, divided.
06 1 cup diced dried cranberries.
07 1/2 cup minced fresh parsley.

Instructions

Step 01

Beat goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon and honey until fluffy. Fold in 1/2 cup pecans.

Step 02

Line counter with parchment. Mix remaining pecans, cranberries and parsley.

Step 03

Scoop cheese mixture with cookie scoop and roll in cranberry-pecan coating.

Step 04

Refrigerate until serving. Can make up to 2 days ahead.

Step 05

Before serving, drizzle with honey. Serve with crackers, crostini or toothpicks.

Notes

  1. Can make one large ball instead of minis.
  2. Keeps in fridge up to 5 days.
  3. Parsley may fade but flavor stays great.
  4. Serve with crackers or crostini.
  5. Can insert pretzel sticks for easy serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Electric mixer.
  • Large cookie scoop.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (goat cheese, cream cheese).
  • Tree nuts (pecans).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 164
  • Total Fat: 13g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 10g
  • Protein: 4g