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Mini pineapple cranberry cheese balls with pecans served on a platter

Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans

These Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans are the party-perfect little bites that balance sweet, tangy, and crunchy. Easy to make and perfect for gatherings, they are a delightful appetizer that pleases both kids and adults.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 80
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened At room temperature
  • 4 oz mascarpone or goat cheese Optional for extra tang
  • 1/2 cup crushed canned pineapple Well-drained and pat dry
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onion Optional for savory flavor
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 tsp honey Or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder Optional
Coating
  • 1 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans Toasted
Serving Suggestions
  • Fresh herbs for garnish Optional: chives or parsley
  • Crackers, crostini, or sliced apples For serving

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the cream cheese and mascarpone (if using) in a large mixing bowl. Microwave if firm to soften.
  2. Add the drained crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, lemon zest, honey, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Fold gently to combine.
  3. If the mixture is too wet, drain more pineapple and blot with a paper towel until it reaches a slightly sticky texture.
Chilling and Toasting Pecans
  1. Cover the bowl and chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
  2. While chilling, toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Let cool and chop finely.
Forming and Coating
  1. Use a small cookie scoop or teaspoon to portion the cheese mixture and roll each into balls.
  2. Roll each ball in the toasted pecans until evenly coated.
Serving
  1. Place finished cheese balls on a tray to chill for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  2. Garnish with herbs or dried cranberries as desired and serve with crackers or sliced apples.

Notes

These cheese balls can be made a day ahead. They are forgiving to make and portable for potlucks. Can modify the recipe to be dairy-free and nut-free.