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Pineapple Cranberry Firecracker Cheese Bites

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These Pineapple Cranberry Firecracker Cheese Bites are the ultimate balance of creamy, tropical, sweet, and spicy. Each bite packs a delicious contrast smooth cream cheese, sharp cheddar, juicy pineapple, tart cranberries, and a pop of jalapeño heat all wrapped in a crispy tortilla chip coating. They’re vibrant, festive, and guaranteed to disappear fast at any party, potluck, or holiday spread.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup crushed pineapple, drained
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1–2 tablespoons jalapeño, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for coating)
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth and fully combined.
  2. Add the crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, green onions, jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is evenly blended.
  3. Scoop and roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls about 1 inch each.
  4. Roll each cheese ball in the crushed tortilla chips, coating all sides.
  5. Arrange the coated cheese bites on a platter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes so they firm up and the flavors meld.
  6. Garnish with fresh cilantro just before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

  1. Make sure your cream cheese is truly softened cold cream cheese can make mixing uneven and clumpy.
  2. If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it for 10–15 minutes before rolling into balls.
  3. Drain the pineapple thoroughly. Excess moisture can cause the cheese bites to lose their shape.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer / Finger Food
  • Method: No-cook / Mix & Chill
  • Cuisine: Fusion (Tropical–American)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cheese bite
  • Calories: 120 kcal
  • Sugar: ~4–5 g
  • Sodium: ~120–150 mg
  • Fat: ~8–9 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~4–5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~3–4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~8–10 g
  • Fiber: ~1 g
  • Protein: ~3–4 g
  • Cholesterol: ~20–25 mg

Keywords: pineapple cheese bites, cranberry cheese bites, firecracker cheese balls, no-cook appetizers, tropical party snacks

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/pineapple-cranberry-firecracker-cheese-bites/