Name: Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz goat cheese, softened; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons honey; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; Pinch of sea salt; 1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional); Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites a creamy goat cheese and tangy cream cheese are blended with sweet honey, warm cinnamon, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans to create these festive, no-bake cheese bites. Whether I’m hosting a holiday party or looking for a quick appetizer to impress guests, these elegant little bites never fail. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re one of my favorite go-to snacks for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these cheese bites strike the perfect balance between creamy, sweet, tart, and crunchy. The goat cheese adds a sophisticated tang, while the honey and cinnamon bring a warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with the nutty pecans and chewy cranberries. They’re bite-sized, easy to prepare ahead of time, and always a hit on any cheese board or appetizer platter. Plus, no oven is required—perfect for busy holiday prep or warm-weather gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz goat cheese, softened

4 oz cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped

2 tablespoons honey

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

Pinch of sea salt

1/2 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by combining the softened goat cheese and cream cheese in a medium bowl until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Next, I stir in the honey, cinnamon, sea salt, and a little orange zest for a hint of brightness (optional but highly recommended).

I gently fold in half of the chopped cranberries and half of the chopped pecans.

Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, I shape the mixture into 1-inch balls.

Then I roll each cheese ball in the remaining cranberries and pecans so they’re evenly coated and look festive.

I chill them in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let them firm up before serving.

Just before serving, I like to garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a seasonal touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 cheese bites, perfect for a small party or as part of a larger spread.

Prep time: 15 minutes

Chill time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Calories per bite: 110 kcal

Variations

I often like to mix things up depending on the occasion. Here are some of my favorite ways to customize these bites:

Swap the pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds for a different kind of crunch.

Use dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries for a new fruity twist.

Add a bit of fresh thyme or cracked black pepper to the cheese mixture for a savory kick.

Roll the bites in chopped herbs like parsley or dill for a fresher, greener look.

Storage/Reheating

I store these cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They actually taste even better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. I recommend bringing them to room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving so the texture softens a bit.
These are not meant to be reheated since they’re a chilled appetizer, but they hold up well for make-ahead prep.

Related Recipes:

Blackberry Grilled Cheese

FAQs

How far in advance can I make these cheese bites?

I like to make them up to a day in advance. They store well in the fridge and the flavors even improve with a little time.

Can I freeze these cheese bites?

I don’t recommend freezing them, as the texture of the cheese and nuts can become grainy after thawing.

What kind of goat cheese works best?

I use a log-style plain goat cheese for the smoothest texture and best blend with the other ingredients.

Are these cheese bites vegetarian?

Yes, they are vegetarian-friendly as long as the cheeses used don’t contain animal rennet.

Can I make these without nuts?

Absolutely—I sometimes roll them in just cranberries or even crushed pretzels for a nut-free option.

Conclusion

These Sweet & Nutty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Bites are one of those effortless appetizers that feel fancy without the fuss. I love how versatile they are, how quickly they come together, and how beautifully they dress up any holiday or party spread. Whether I’m prepping ahead or need something last-minute, this recipe always delivers—flavor, texture, and style in every bite.

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