Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans are one of those little appetizers that instantly make any gathering feel special — and I’m so grateful you’re here to make them with me today! These bite-sized beauties are sweet, tangy, crunchy, creamy, and honestly… dangerously poppable. Thank you for stopping by and cooking along with me; your support always means the world. Now let’s dive into this festive, flavor-packed recipe that I know you’re going to love!

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What Are Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans?

Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans are delightful, individually portioned cheese bites made with cream cheese, crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. They combine fruity sweetness with savory richness and a hint of tang — think of them as tiny holiday-inspired flavor bombs that are effortless to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Oh, there are so many reasons to adore these little gems!

Festive and fun – Perfect for holidays, parties, or snacking.
Quick to make – Just mix, chill, roll, and serve.
Adorably bite-sized – No cutting or serving utensils needed.
Make-ahead friendly – Prep them the day before for stress-free entertaining.
Anything but boring!! These have layers of flavor that make them taste gourmet.

What Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans Taste Like

Imagine creamy, silky cheese blended with bright pineapple sweetness, tiny pops of chewy cranberry, and the warm buttery crunch of toasted pecans. Every bite is balanced — sweet, savory, tangy, and textured. They’re the kind of appetizer people grab “just one more” of… and then two more.

Benefits of These Mini Cheese Balls

Crowd-pleasing flavors
Simple ingredients
Naturally gluten-free
Easy to double for larger gatherings
Perfect for meal prep or festive occasions

Ingredients for Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained very well
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped
2 tablespoons green onions, minced
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Fresh parsley for rolling (optional)

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Cutting board and knife
Small cookie scoop (for perfectly even mini balls)
Plastic wrap or parchment
Baking sheet for chilling

Additions and Substitutions

Feel free to make these cheese balls your own!

Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile.
Use dried cherries or dried apricots instead of cranberries.
Add a pinch of cayenne if you want a tiny kick.
Use sharp cheddar + cream cheese together for a more savory twist.
Add shredded coconut for extra tropical flair.

How to Make Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and fluffy. This gives you a dreamy, creamy base.

Step 2: Add the Good Stuff

Stir in the crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Combine until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Chill the Mixture

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential — the mixture firms up, making it much easier to shape.

Step 4: Roll Into Mini Balls

Use a small cookie scoop or a tablespoon to portion the mixture. Roll gently between your palms to form small, bite-sized balls.

Step 5: Coat in Pecans

Spread the toasted, finely chopped pecans on a plate. Roll each cheese ball until completely coated. Add some parsley if you want a pop of green!

Step 6: Chill Again

Refrigerate for at least one hour to help the flavors come together and the texture firm up.

What to Serve with Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans

These pair beautifully with:

Buttery crackers
Crostini
Fresh apple slices
Pretzel crisps
A charcuterie board
Sparkling wine or a holiday punch

Tips for Perfect Mini Cheese Balls

Drain the pineapple extremely well — excess liquid will make the mixture too soft.
Toast the pecans for maximum flavor!
Use a cookie scoop for consistent sizes.
Chill before rolling to avoid messy hands.
Make ahead — they taste even better the next day.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncoated cheese balls for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge, then roll in pecans before serving.

General Information

Prep time: 20 minutes
Chill time: 1.5 hours
Total time: about 2 hours
Yield: 20–24 mini cheese balls

FAQ About Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans

Can I make these without nuts?

Absolutely! Roll the balls in chopped dried cranberries, parsley, toasted coconut, or even crushed pretzels.

Can I prepare them the night before?

Yes! In fact, they get even better as the flavors meld together.

How do I keep them from getting too soft?

Make sure the pineapple is fully drained and allow enough chilling time.

Are these gluten-free?

Yes — as long as you serve them with gluten-free crackers or apple slices.

Conclusion

Mini Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Balls with Pecans are the perfect little appetizer: festive, flavorful, and fabulously easy. They bring together the best textures and tastes in a single bite, making them ideal for parties, potlucks, or cozy evenings at home. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!