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These Mini Cranberry Cheddar Cheeseballs are a perfect last-minute appetizer! They don't need to be cooked, are easy to make, and are always a big hit!
These little cheeseballs are pretty much perfection! They are made with Tillamook Farmstyle Thick Cut Sharp Cheddar Shreds which are aged for over 9 months so it gives the cheeseballs just the right amount of sharpness! The cranberries also add just a subtle touch of sweetness that makes these irresistible!
If you are unsure where to find Tillamook Farmstyle Thick Cut Sharp Cheddar Shreds, head to your nearest Target and they'll be sure to have it for you! Check out this link: https://clvr.li/WTB_target
Here's how to make the Mini Cranberry Cheddar Cheeseballs:
The easiest way to make these is in a food processor. It combines everything perfectly and makes it a breeze! You'll first add the cream cheese, Tillamook cheddar, and the seasonings. The type of shredded cheddar in this recipe is important. I chose Tillamook because of the large shreds, the extra sharp aged taste and the quality of the cheese itself. You definitely don't want to skimp! Be sure to pulse these cheeses just a few times to combine them.
Then you'll add in the dried cranberries and pulse a few more times. You just want to combine everything and break up the cranberries just a little bit so each bite has just the right amount of cheese and cranberries!
After combining everything, use a small scoop or a tablespoon to scoop out filling for each ball. I like to make them pretty small so it's perfect to eat on one cracker. You can make make then any size you'd like or even into one large cheeseball!
Roll each ball in chopped pecans to coat then place on a cracker to serve. If you have anything with a nut sensitivity or if you just don't like nuts, you can skip the nuts altogether and roll these in crushed pretzels.
If you're making these ahead of time, you can refrigerate them for a few days but just don't place them on the crackers until you're ready to serve.
Serve chilled on a cracker for the perfect easy Holiday appetizer!
Mini Cranberry Cheddar Cheeseballs
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (I use Tillamook brand for extra sharpness!)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (You can use pretzels as an alternative)
Instructions
- Add the cream cheese, cheddar, and seasonings to a food processor and pulse a few times until combined.
- Add in the cranberries and pulse just a few more times to break them into smaller bits.
- Scoop our tablespoon size scoops and roll in the crushed pecans.
- Serve with crackers or pretzels.
Mercedes Thomas says
Looks awesome. So easy!!
Coco and Ash says
Thanks! 🙂