Crisp, tangy cranberries mingle with the crunchy texture of freshly chopped pecans, all enveloped in a creamy, luscious cheese blend. The moment you set this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball on the table, it transforms into a centerpiece that calls out to family and friends, inviting them to take that first delicious bite. Imagine serving it with an array of colorful crackers, creating a visual feast that’s as delightful to the eyes as it is to the taste buds. The simplicity of this appetizer, with its inviting colors and aroma echoing the comfort of home, makes it a must-have for gatherings, especially during the holiday season.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Thinking back to family get-togethers, this cheese ball takes me right back to cozy evenings by the fireplace, sharing stories and laughter with loved ones. There’s something about the combination of sweet cranberries, crunchy nuts, and creamy cheese that brings everyone together. It’s perfect for holiday parties, game nights, or simply a gathering of friends. Get ready to impress your guests with this delightful and festive treat that’ll have them raving about it long after the last cracker has been savored.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 10 minutes, and enjoy rich flavors without a long prep time.
Irresistible Flavor: The blend of sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans creates a harmonious explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: A beautifully shaped cheese ball garnished attractively makes for a show-stopping appetizer.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for holiday parties, casual game nights, or even as a fun snack for movie marathons.
Diet-Friendly Options: Gluten-free and easily adaptable with vegan cheese for plant-based diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

2 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened: This is the creamy base of your cheese ball. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending; you can also use vegan cream cheese as a substitute.
1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, Shredded: Adds a sharp, tangy flavor that beautifully complements the creaminess. You can switch this with any cheese you prefer, like Monterey Jack.
1 cup Dried Cranberries, Roughly Chopped: Their sweetness balances the savory ingredients. Feel free to substitute with dried cherries or raisins if you prefer.
1 cup Pecans, Finely Chopped: These nuts bring a delightful crunch. Walnuts or almonds can be used instead if pecans aren’t available.
2 tbsp Fresh Chives, Chopped: These provide a mild onion flavor that elevates the taste. You can also experiment with parsley or green onions for a similar effect.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, ½ cup of chopped dried cranberries, ½ cup of finely chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of fresh chives. Using an electric mixer or a sturdy spatula, beat the ingredients together until well combined. The texture should be creamy with flecks of cranberry and chive visible throughout. Don’t rush this step—taking your time here ensures a well-integrated mix that’ll be a delight to roll.

Shape and Chill: Once thoroughly blended, scrape down the sides of the bowl to bring all the components together into a cohesive mixture, about 3 cups in total. Tear off a piece of plastic wrap, about 10” x 10”, and use greased hands to form the cream cheese mixture into a ball shape. Place the ball in the center of the plastic wrap, then gather the edges to seal it tightly. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour until firm; this helps it keep its shape during serving.

Coat the Cheese Ball: On a large plate, mix the remaining ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of chives. Once the cheese ball has chilled and firmed up, unwrap it from the plastic wrap and gently roll it into the cranberry-pecan mixture. Press down slightly to ensure the coating adheres well to the cheese ball, giving it an appealing, textured finish.

Let it Set: After rolling it fully in the mixture, let your cheeseball sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes prior to serving. This slight warm-up allows the rich flavors to awaken and the texture to soften just enough for perfect spreading when served.

Serve it Up!: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter surrounded by an assortment of crunchy crackers. The bright, festive appearance and the delicious aroma will have everyone excited to dig in!

Storing & Reheating

Store your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball at room temperature for up to 2 hours before it should be refrigerated to maintain its fresh taste. In the refrigerator, keep it in an airtight container for about a week. If you plan to make it ahead, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. To serve after freezing, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving will bring it back to its creamy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Be sure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this makes it blend seamlessly with the other ingredients, resulting in a smooth consistency.
Avoid overmixing once you’ve combined everything to maintain some texture in the cheese ball. You want to have that delightful crunch from the nuts and pieces of fruit!
If you’re short on time, you can skip the chilling step, but letting it firm up will help it hold its shape better.
Feel free to experiment with flavorings such as garlic powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a unique twist.
This cheese ball can be made up to two days in advance, making it an ideal option for party prep.

Cranberry pecan cheese ball is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to make any gathering more special. Whether it becomes your go-to appetizer for holidays or family gatherings, or you try it out for a cozy movie night at home, remember to have fun with the process and inject some of your personality into it. We can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball can be made up to two days in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. This makes it perfect for prepping for busy holiday entertaining!

Can I use different nuts or cheeses?

Certainly! While pecans and white cheddar are delightful, you can swap them for other nuts like walnuts or almonds, and cheeses like goat cheese or smoked gouda. Mix and match to find your favorite combination!

How long does the cheese ball last?

In the refrigerator, your cheese ball can last about a week if stored in an airtight container. Just check for any off smells or changes in texture before serving to ensure it’s still fresh!

What should I serve with my cheese ball?

This cheese ball pairs beautifully with assorted crackers, sliced baguettes, or fresh veggies. For a fun twist, serve it alongside apple slices or pretzels for a delightful variety of textures and flavors.

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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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Author: Lina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy a delicious blend of sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and creamy cheese in this easy-to-make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, perfect for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

2 (8 oz) Cream Cheese, Softened
1 cup White Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
1 cup Dried Cranberries, Roughly Chopped
1 cup Pecans, Finely Chopped
2 tbsp Fresh Chives, Chopped

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Instructions

Mix Ingredients: Combine softened cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, pecans, and chives in a bowl and mix until creamy.
Shape and Chill: Form the mixture into a ball, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least one hour.
Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the chilled ball in a mixture of cranberries, pecans, and chives to coat.
Let it Set: Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
Serve it Up: Arrange on a platter with assorted crackers.

Notes

Use vegan cream cheese for a plant-based option.
Experiment with different nuts and cheeses to customize flavors.
Make this cheese ball up to two days in advance for convenience.