Pecan Cheese Balls in Cranberry Barbecue Sauce

Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Course: Small Bites | Serves: 8 

Pecan cheddar cheese balls, a vegetarian answer to meatballs, served with a cranberry barbecue sauce. These little gems are so good.

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, or a mix

1 cup pecans, coarsely ground

1 cup breadcrumbs

1 onion, diced small

4 eggs

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cranberry sauce or apricot jam

½ cup barbecue sauce

Mix the cheese, pecans, breadcrumbs, onion, eggs, and garlic in a large mixing bowl until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F. Scoop the dough into balls, then roll with your hands to smooth and compact them. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 minutes. 

Warm cranberry sauce and barbecue sauce in a small saucepan (or in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave). Serve cheeseballs warm with a ramekin of sauce.