These little holiday cheese ball bites are one of my favorite easy party recipes.
They’re creamy, savory, super festive, and perfect for popping into your mouth while chatting around the table.
I love that you can prep them ahead, they look adorable on a platter, and they’re always the first thing to disappear.
They’re perfect for holiday parties or anytime you need an easy appetizer that feels a little fancy without any fuss.
What You’ll Need
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup chopped dried cranberries
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onion
- 30 pretzel sticks (for serving)
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making these mini cheese balls a few years ago for a holiday potluck, and now they’re a staple at every party. They hit all the right notes—salty, creamy, crunchy, and festive-looking without much effort. Plus:
- They’re easy to make ahead
- Everyone loves a finger food
- You can change up the flavors depending on what you like
- They’re way easier than making one giant cheese ball
- You don’t need a knife—just grab a pretzel stick and go
Makes
30 mini cheese balls
Time
20 minutes prep, no cooking
Macros (Per Cheese Ball, estimated)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 2g
- Carbs: 3g
- Fat: 8g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cream cheese acts as a binder while cheddar adds flavor and texture. Chilling the mixture makes it easier to roll and hold shape. The coating adds crunch and visual contrast, and the pretzel stick adds a salty bite while acting as a built-in skewer.
Common Mistakes
- Not softening the cream cheese – Makes it harder to mix and shape
- Overmixing – Can break down the cheese and make it too soft
- Rolling while too soft – Chill if needed before shaping
- Skipping the coating – It adds flavor and texture—don’t miss it!
What to Serve With
- Crackers and sliced veggies
- A festive charcuterie board
- Sparkling cider or wine
- Mini meatballs or holiday pinwheels
FAQ
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! See below for details.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
Use a mix of dried dill, onion powder, and garlic powder instead.
Can I skip the pretzels?
Sure—just serve with mini forks or toothpicks on the side.
Do they need to be chilled?
They hold up fine at room temp for a few hours, but refrigerate if making ahead.
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge
- Roll into balls the day before and chill on a tray
- Add pretzel sticks just before serving so they don’t get soggy
How to Make Holiday Mini Cheese Ball Bites
Step 1: Mix the Cheese Base
In a large bowl, add 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese (softened), 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder. Mix everything well until smooth and fully combined.
Step 2: Chill the Mixture (Optional)
If your cheese mix feels too soft to shape, pop the bowl in the fridge for 15–20 minutes to firm it up.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
On a plate or shallow bowl, mix ½ cup chopped dried cranberries, ½ cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons chopped parsley, and 3 tablespoons chopped green onion. This is your topping station.
Step 4: Shape the Cheese Balls
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture and roll it into a ball using clean hands or a small cookie scoop.
Step 5: Roll in the Toppings
Take each cheese ball and gently roll it in the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture until fully coated. Press gently to help it stick.
Step 6: Add Pretzel Sticks
Gently stick a pretzel stick into the top of each mini cheese ball to make them easy to pick up and serve.
Pro Tips
- Use gloves when rolling to keep hands clean and cheese from sticking
- Finely chop toppings so they stick better to the cheese
- Chill the mixture if it’s too soft to shape easily
- Use a small cookie scoop to make even portions
- Wait to add pretzels until right before serving
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Small cookie scoop or tablespoon
- Cutting board and knife
- Shallow plate or bowl for coating
- Serving platter
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds
- Use dried apricots or golden raisins instead of cranberries
- Skip the ranch and use a little Italian seasoning for a twist
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce
- Use goat cheese instead of cream cheese for a tangy flavor
Leftovers & Storage
Store leftover cheese balls (without pretzel sticks) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Add fresh pretzel sticks before serving.
Final Thoughts
These mini cheese ball bites are one of those recipes that look impressive but are secretly really simple. They’re festive, flavorful, and full of texture. Whether you’re hosting or just bringing a dish to share, these will definitely be a hit. If you try them, let me know how they turned out—or leave a comment with your own twist on them!