Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

by Erin

Love cheese balls but no parties in sight? Make this mini cranberry pistachio cheese ball that’s perfect for two to four servings.

Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball.

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Sometimes I crave cheese balls outside of parties and gatherings, but to make an entire cheese ball for one person is just insane. Then it finally occurred to me – why not make a smaller version? And that’s exactly what I did.

This little guy is smaller than my fist and only requires 4 ingredients. A mixture of goat cheese, cream cheese and cranberries all rolled up in chopped pistachios making for one very festive cheese ball. It was actually inspired by the farro salad I just made.

This mini cheese ball is actually enough for at least two servings so I am straying slightly for Single Serving Sunday. But I’d like to see anyone admit that they only eat one serving of a cheese ball. Admit it, you know you want to eat this as a side dish to your meal tonight. Or maybe the entree ;-).

You may need to double or quadruple the recipe for the times when you crave a cheese ball in the company of others. Otherwise you will be fighting everyone off!

Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball for Two.

One year ago: Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream

Two years ago: Gluten-Free Bacon-Swiss Penne

Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball.

MINI CRANBERRY PISTACHIO CHEESE BALL

Print
Yield: 2-4 Servings Prep Time:
Nutrition facts: 200 calories 20 grams fat

Ingredients

  • 2 oz. goat cheese, room temperature
  • 2 oz. reduced fat cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp chopped dried cranberries
  • 1 Tbsp minced fresh parsley (optional)
  • 1 Tbsp chopped pistachios

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, cream together the goat cheese and cream cheese. Mix in the cranberries and parsley until evenly distributed.
  2. Roll into a ball and wrap with plastic wrap. Set in a small bowl or cup to maintain shape, and place in freezer for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
  3. Remove cheese ball from wrapper and roll in chopped pistachios, pressing lightly to make sure it sticks. Serve with crackers.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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Source: The Spiffy Cookie original

Did you make this recipe? I want to see! Tag @THESPIFFYCOOKIE on Instagram and hashtag it #THESPIFFYCOOKIE
Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball 1

Post updated 12/22/2022, photos above and below are the originals.

Mini Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball 2

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7 comments

Amber November 15, 2013 - 8:50 am

We demolished this in, what, 5 min?

Reply
spiffycookie November 15, 2013 - 9:05 am

Just about!

Reply
Taylor November 11, 2013 - 9:26 pm

They are so cute!! What a perfect festive holiday appetizer :)

Reply
Susan November 10, 2013 - 11:17 pm

Yum!!!!!!! Erin, you have outdone yourself with this one. I don’t normally make things like cheese balls because I don’t like most of them, but this one I would definitely make. It’s full of some of my favorite ingredients, and would be a wonderful snack. It just dawned on me that it reminds me a little of the goat cheese log that Costco carries in November & December that is covered with cinnamon and dried cranberries. That stuff is sooooo good! However, yours should be equally tasty, and it is practical, since it’s so small. As long as I don’t double the recipe, I probably wouldn’t get in trouble. I hope… ;-)

Reply
spiffycookie November 11, 2013 - 9:33 am

Thank you!

Reply
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. November 10, 2013 - 9:00 pm

What a recipe this is! The perfect cheese ball for the upcoming holidays!

Reply
Tracey November 10, 2013 - 3:15 pm

Oh my gosh, a baby cheese ball!! It’s pretty much the cutest thing ever.

Reply

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