Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Nibbles with Crunchy Pecans

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Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Nibbles with Crunchy Pecans — thank you SO much for being here today! Truly, it means the world that you’re bringing your creativity (and hunger!) into my kitchen again. And wow… do I have something irresistibly festive for you. These little nibbles are sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy, and as fun to make as they are to eat. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!

Before we dive into all the delicious details, make sure you subscribe to get my newest recipes delivered straight to your inbox. I send only my best — the easy, the cozy, the crowd-pleasing, and of course, the holiday-friendly.

Why You’ll Love These Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Nibbles with Crunchy Pecans

These cheese nibbles are everything you want in a holiday appetizer:

  • Bright and festive — perfect pops of ruby-red cranberries and golden pineapple
  • Creamy yet crunchy — the best of both worlds!
  • Sweet + savory — a flavor combo that will surprise everyone in the BEST way
  • Bite-sized and party-ready — no slicing or plating hassles
  • Make-ahead friendly — ideal for holiday hosting

What Do These Cheese Nibbles Taste Like?

Dreamy. Truly dreamy.
You get creamy tang from the cheese, a burst of sweetness from the pineapple, a holiday tartness from the cranberries, and then—oh my—those crunchy toasted pecans on the outside seal the deal. Every bite is balanced, bright, and addictive.

They’re the kind of appetizer that gets passed around once… and then everyone searches for them again.

Benefits of Making This Recipe

  • Quick prep with simple ingredients
  • Budget-friendly holiday appetizer
  • Great for potlucks, parties, and charcuterie boards
  • Easy to double or triple
  • Stunning presentation with minimal effort

Ingredients for Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Nibbles with Crunchy Pecans

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained well
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
  • 2 tbsp green onions, minced (optional)
  • Crackers or pretzels for serving

Tools You’ll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Spatula or electric mixer
  • Cutting board + knife
  • Small cookie scoop or spoon
  • Parchment-lined tray
  • Plastic wrap

Additions & Substitutions

Additions

  • Jalapeños for a sweet-spicy bite
  • Honey for extra sweetness
  • Chopped ham for a savory twist
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary

Substitutions

  • Use Neufchâtel cheese for a lighter option
  • Swap almonds or walnuts in place of pecans
  • Try Monterey Jack instead of sharp cheddar
  • Replace dried cranberries with dried cherries
PIN IT OR SAVE IT

How to Make Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Nibbles with Crunchy Pecans

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Mix the base
    In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, drained pineapple, dried cranberries, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and green onions (if using). Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
  2. Chill
    Cover and refrigerate for 30–45 minutes so the mixture firms up.
  3. Scoop and shape
    Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, portion out small balls (about 1 inch). Roll between your palms to smooth.
  4. Coat in pecans
    Spread chopped toasted pecans on a plate and gently roll each cheese ball until coated.
  5. Chill again
    Place nibbles on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to set.
  6. Serve
    Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or on a festive holiday grazing board.

What to Serve with These Cheese Nibbles

  • Ritz or club crackers
  • Pretzel crisps
  • Pita chips
  • Apple slices (SO good with the sweet-savory combo!)
  • Simple charcuterie meats like prosciutto or ham
  • Holiday party platters or grazing boards

Tips for Perfect Cheese Nibbles

  • Drain the pineapple VERY well — excess moisture will make the mixture too soft.
  • Toast the pecans — it boosts flavor dramatically.
  • Chill before shaping — otherwise they’ll be too sticky to roll.
  • Use a cookie scoop for uniform, cute bites.
  • Keep them cold until serving so they hold their shape beautifully.

Storage Instructions

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Do not freeze — the texture becomes grainy.
  • Pecans stay crunchiest when rolled just before serving.

General Information

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Chill Time: 1–1.5 hours
  • Total Time: About 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Servings: 18–22 nibbles

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use fresh pineapple?

Yes, but make sure it’s very finely chopped and drained extremely well.

Can I make these ahead?

Absolutely — make them up to 24 hours ahead and store covered until serving.

Are these good for potlucks?

They’re perfect for potlucks because they travel well and stay fresh.

How can I make them nut-free?

Roll them in crushed pretzels, toasted breadcrumbs, or shredded coconut instead of pecans.

What if the mixture is too soft to roll?

Chill longer — an extra 20–30 minutes usually does the trick.

Conclusion

These Pineapple Cranberry Cheese Nibbles with Crunchy Pecans are the little festive bites you’ll want on every holiday tray this season. Sweet, tangy, creamy, crunchy—oh my goodness, they deliver everything you want in a Christmas appetizer! Easy to make, stunning to serve, and guaranteed to disappear fast.

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