Hey y'all! Looking for an appetizer that's as pretty as it is scrumptious? This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans. It's a total crowd-pleaser and looks gorgeous on any holiday platter, yet it's easy enough for casual get-togethers or family movie nights. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- Creamy, tangy, and sweet—an irresistible flavor combo everyone will crave.
- Impressive presentation, but takes just 15 minutes prep time!
- Super versatile: perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or potluck parties.
- Customizable with your favorite nuts, herbs, or cheese blends.
- No baking required and easy to make ahead for stress-free entertaining.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe Ingredients
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups (8 oz/225g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup (60g) finely chopped green onions
- 1 cup (120g) dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup (120g) pecan halves, toasted and chopped, divided
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Chop the dried cranberries and toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant. Cool, then chop pecans and set aside half for the coating.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese Ball Base
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Add cheddar cheese, half of the cranberries, half of the pecans, green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix with a spatula or mixer until well combined.
Step 3: Shape and Chill the Cheese Ball
Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Gather the edges and shape into a ball, sealing tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to firm up the texture.
Step 4: Coat and Serve
On a plate, combine the remaining chopped pecans, the rest of the cranberries, and fresh parsley. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the nut-cranberry mixture, pressing lightly to coat all sides. Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.
Notes – Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe Tips
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and flavor.
- Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.
- For more on toasting nuts perfectly, check out this guide on toasting nuts.
Variations on Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add 1 minced jalapeño for a kick.
- Herby Delight: Mix in 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives and dill.
- Nut-Free Version: Substitute sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for pecans.
Required Equipment for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- Medium to large mixing bowl
- Electric hand mixer or sturdy spatula
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Plastic wrap
- Small skillet (for toasting pecans)
- Serving plate
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe Storage & Shelf Life
Wrap any leftover cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 5 days. Do not freeze the cheese ball, as the texture may become grainy. For more on safe cheese storage, see StillTasty's cheese storage guide.
Serving Suggestions for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- Serve with buttery crackers, crispy baguette slices, or pretzel chips.
- Add to a holiday cheese platter with grapes, sliced apples, and charcuterie.
- Pair with a light, crisp white wine or sparkling cider for festive vibes.
Pro Tips for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing and a smoother ball.
- Chill the shaped cheese ball for at least an hour to help flavors meld well.
- For rustic texture, gently fold in mix-ins by hand rather than with a mixer. For more cheese ball inspiration, visit Taste of Home's cheese ball collection.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe FAQ
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare and shape up to 2 days in advance. Roll in nuts and fruit just before serving for freshness.
My cheese ball is too soft—how do I fix it?
Chill it for an additional hour. If it's still soft, mix in a bit more shredded cheddar to firm it up.
Can I use different nuts or dried fruits?
Yes, feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or almonds, and try dried cherries or apricots for a fun twist!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 12
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and divided
- ¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
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2Fold in chopped cranberries, half of the chopped pecans, and green onions. Mix until well incorporated.
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3Shape the mixture into a ball using clean hands or by wrapping in plastic wrap and gently forming into a ball.
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4Spread the remaining chopped pecans onto a flat plate. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans until fully coated.
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5Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve chilled with crackers or sliced vegetables.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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