Description
These Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans are the perfect bite-sized treat that brings a taste of the tropics to your table. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and nutty all at once, each mini cheese ball combines smooth cream cheese with juicy pineapple, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Whether served as an elegant appetizer, festive holiday snack, or quick make-ahead party bite, they deliver a delightful burst of flavor in every nibble.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Additional pecans for rolling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined and smooth.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow it to firm up.
- Once chilled, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to form the mixture into bite-sized balls.
- Roll each cheese ball in the finely chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Place the cheese balls on a serving platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the pineapple well; excess liquid can make the mixture too soft to shape.
- Chill the mixture long enough to make rolling easier and less sticky.
- Use freshly chopped pecans instead of pre-packaged ones for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Mixing
- Cuisine: American, Tropical Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini cheese ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: mini cheese balls, pineapple cheese balls, cranberry pecan cheese balls, tropical appetizer, holiday snack