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Chef Ava

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Holiday Skewer Bites

These creamy, sweet-and-tangy little bites bring festive flavor to any holiday table, with crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and a pretty presentation that makes entertaining easy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12 bites
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup toasted pecans finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
  • 1 pinch salt
For Topping & Assembly
  • whole fresh cranberries
  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar for coating the cranberries
  • whole pecan halves
  • fresh parsley or rosemary sprigs for garnish
  • mini skewers or toothpicks

Equipment

  • medium mixing bowl For the cream cheese mixture.
  • tray For chilling the cheese balls.
  • mini skewers or toothpicks For assembling the bites.

Method
 

  1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, honey, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt until smooth and creamy.
  2. Fold in the chopped toasted pecans and dried cranberries until evenly distributed.
  3. Scoop out portions of about 1–1 1/2 tablespoons and roll them between your palms to form small balls.
  4. Arrange the cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes, until firm enough to handle.
  5. Gently toss the whole fresh cranberries with the sugar until lightly coated and glossy.
  6. Insert a mini skewer or toothpick into each chilled cheese ball.
  7. Thread 2–3 sugared cranberries onto each skewer, positioning them just above the cheese ball.
  8. Press a pecan half onto the top of each cheese ball and add a tiny piece of fresh parsley or rosemary for a festive finishing touch.
  9. Refrigerate the assembled bites until ready to serve. Arrange them upright on a serving platter or wooden board for a beautiful holiday presentation.

Notes

Chill the cheese balls for 15–20 minutes until firm before adding the skewers. Toss the fresh cranberries with sugar until lightly coated and glossy. Keep the assembled bites refrigerated until ready to serve.