Description
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
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