Bring a burst of holiday cheer to your appetizer spread with these Two-Bite Cranberry Cheese Ball Pops! They’re the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and sweet with a hint of crunch from toasted pecans and a fun, handheld twist thanks to the pretzel stick “pop.” These mini cheese balls are not only easy to make but also look stunning on a party platter, making them ideal for festive gatherings, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package pretzel sticks

Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, green onions, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cheese balls to firm up.
Roll each chilled cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each ball to create a fun, easy-to-hold pop.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Variation:

Add a spicy kick: Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Swap the nuts: Try rolling the cheese balls in crushed pistachios, walnuts, or almonds for a different flavor and color contrast.
Make it festive: For a holiday twist, use a mix of dried cranberries and chopped dried apricots or cherries to add a colorful, jewel-toned appearance.

Cooking Notes:

For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese it helps the cheese balls stay rich and creamy.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
To save time, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead and roll them in nuts just before serving to keep them fresh.

Serving Suggestions:

Party platter perfection: Arrange the pops on a serving board with grapes, crackers, and extra nuts for a stunning holiday appetizer display.
Gift-worthy bites: Wrap each cheese ball pop individually in mini candy wrappers for a charming edible gift idea.
Pair with wine: These cheese pops pair beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light rosé, balancing the richness with refreshing acidity.

Tips:

Chill thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step it helps the cheese balls hold their shape and makes coating them in nuts much easier.
Uniform size: Use a small cookie scoop to keep all your cheese balls evenly sized for even presentation and portion control.
Keep pretzels crisp: Insert pretzel sticks just before serving to prevent them from softening in the fridge.

Prep Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 120 kcal
Protein: 3 g
Sodium: 140 mg

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Roll in nuts and add pretzel sticks right before serving.
Can I use another cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely try pepper jack for a spicy kick or gouda for a milder, creamier flavor.
Are there nut-free alternatives for coating?
Yes! You can roll the cheese balls in crushed pretzels, toasted breadcrumbs, or sesame seeds for a nut-free option.
How long can these cheese pops sit out?
They can stay at room temperature for up to 2 hours. After that, refrigerate any leftovers to keep them fresh and safe to eat.

Conclusion:

These Two-Bite Cranberry Cheese Ball Pops are everything you want in a party appetizer creamy, flavorful, and irresistibly festive. With their sweet-savory balance and adorable presentation, they’re guaranteed to impress guests and disappear fast. Whether you’re hosting a big celebration or enjoying a quiet night in, these little bites bring joy to every occasion.

Two-Bite Cranberry Cheese Ball Pops

Author: Avery
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 12 servings (about 24 pops) 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1 tablespoon honey
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 package pretzel sticks

Instructions

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, green onions, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and smooth.
Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the cheese balls to firm up.
Roll each chilled cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each ball to create a fun, easy-to-hold pop.
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Notes

For the best texture, use full-fat cream cheese it helps the cheese balls stay rich and creamy.
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
To save time, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead and roll them in nuts just before serving to keep them fresh.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Holiday Recipe
Method: No-Bake, Hand-Rolled
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 pops
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 9 g
Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: cheese ball pops, cranberry cheese balls, party appetizer, holiday snack, festive finger food