10 No-Bake Appetizers to Elevate Your Holiday Table

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Festive Cheese Balls

Christmas cheese ball appetizers are bite-sized, flavorful treats made with creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and fresh herbs. No only are they delicious, but they are an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread. The combination of creamy and herby flavors makes them a crowd-pleasing snack that pairs beautifully with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies. Make these cheese balls a day in advance to save time and allow the flavors to develop even more.

Ingredients (for about 12 servings):

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Pretzel sticks or small skewers (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
2. Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, portion the cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Roll them gently in your hands to create smooth spheres. Place on a lined baking sheet.
3. In a shallow bowl, mix the cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
4. Roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks.
5. Refrigerate the cheese balls for at least 30 min. to allow them to firm up and the flavors to meld.
6. Insert a pretzel stick or skewer into each cheese ball for easy serving, or arrange them on a festive platter.