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Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites for Holiday Gatherings — chef-tested restaurant-quality photo

Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites for Holiday Gatherings

  • Author: Isabella Cortez
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 24 bites 1x
  • Category: 🥨 Appetizers, Snacks & Party Bites
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These delightful Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Bites are a perfect combination of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and a hint of spice, making them an irresistible appetizer for your holiday gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped

1/4 cup jalapeño, finely chopped

1/4 cup green onions, chopped

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 cup crushed crackers (e.g., Ritz or Town House)

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)


Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped jalapeño, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until fully combined.

3. Shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.

4. Roll each cheese ball in the crushed crackers until evenly coated.

5. Place the cheese balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are golden brown.

7. Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.


Notes

Serve these cheese bites warm for the best flavor.

You can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just roll into balls and bake when ready to serve.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bite
  • Calories: 90 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: Cranberry, Jalapeño, Cheese Bites, Appetizer, Party Food