No-Bake Creamy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites
Creamy, tangy cheese bites studded with dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans, lightly sweetened with honey and rolled into elegant appetizer balls. Perfect with crackers, crostini, or apple slices.
Time Required
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
½ cup goat cheese or mascarpone (for extra creaminess)
⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
½ cup pecans, toasted & finely chopped
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
1 tsp orange zest (optional but highly recommended)
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp fresh thyme or rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
For coating
Extra chopped cranberries
Extra chopped pecans
Instructions
1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth and fluffy.
2. Stir in honey, orange zest, salt, and herbs (if using).
3. Fold in chopped cranberries and pecans.
4. Chill mixture for 20–30 minutes until firm.
5. Scoop and roll into small balls (about 1 tbsp each).
6. Roll each ball in extra cranberries and pecans.
7. Chill again until ready to serve
Serving Ideas
With buttery crackers or crostini
On a holiday cheese board
Skewered with grapes or apple slices
Drizzled lightly with warm honey before serving
Tips & Variations
For a lighter version, replace half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt labneh.
Make it extra festive with a pinch of cinnamon.
Prefer a log-style appetizer? Shape into a small log and roll in pecans & cranberries.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Best served slightly chilled, not ice-cold.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~90
Protein: 2 g
Fat: 7 g
Carbs: 4 g