Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe for Holiday Joy

The ultimate cranberry pecan cheese ball brings festive cheer to any gathering with minimal effort.

Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with crunchy pecans and tart cranberries for a stunning appetizer.

Every bite promises a delightful dance of textures and flavors that will surprise guests.

Soft cream cheese serves as the perfect canvas for these vibrant ingredients.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this recipe a stress-free addition to your holiday spread.

Impressive yet uncomplicated, this cheese ball looks like you spent hours preparing.

You’ll become the star of the party with this elegant, crowd-pleasing starter that takes just minutes to assemble.

Grab a cracker and get ready to wow everyone at your next celebration.

What Makes Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball a Holiday Hit

• Perfect for holiday gatherings, game nights, or potluck parties, this recipe offers a delicious blend of sweet and savory flavors that guests will love.
• Easily adjust the pecan and cranberry coating to suit your taste preferences or create a beautiful presentation for any occasion.
• Prepare the cheese ball a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and making party prep stress-free and convenient.

Ingredients Used in a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: Soft, smooth foundation for the cheese ball with rich, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Sharp flavor that adds depth and tangy richness to the mixture.

• Cranberries (Chopped), Pecans (Chopped): Sweet-tart berries and crunchy nuts provide texture and festive holiday color.

• Honey: Adds subtle sweetness and helps bind ingredients together.
• Garlic Powder: Provides mild, savory background flavor.
• Thyme (Optional): Earthy herb that complements cheese and nuts with aromatic notes.

• Crackers, Fresh Vegetables, Bread Slices: Perfect for scooping and enjoying the cheese ball.

• Pecans (Remaining): Extra layer of crunchy coating that adds texture and visual appeal.
• Additional Cranberries (Optional): Creates vibrant color contrast and extra fruity burst.

How to Shape and Serve the Cheese Ball

Step 1: Blend Creamy Cheesy Goodness

• Grab softened cream cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cranberries
• Pecans
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Thyme

In a large mixing bowl, toss all ingredients together and mix until everything is perfectly combined and looks irresistibly delicious.

Step 2: Shape Into Magical Ball

Use plastic wrap to help form the mixture into a smooth, round sphere. Gently wrap and press the cheese mixture to create a perfect ball shape. Pop it into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least one hour so it firms up nicely.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Nutty Coating

Spread chopped pecans on a flat plate. If you want extra color and flavor, sprinkle some additional chopped cranberries across the nuts.

Step 4: Dress Up Your Cheese Ball

Pull the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it carefully. Roll the ball through the pecan mixture, pressing softly to make sure nuts stick beautifully to every surface.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Transfer your gorgeous cheese ball to a stunning serving platter. Surround it with an array of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or warm bread slices. Watch as everyone dives in and devours this delightful appetizer!

Cheese Ball Tips for Smooth Texture and Balance

• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up perfectly.
• Toast Pecans for Depth: Lightly toast the pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the coating.
• Customize the Coating: Experiment with different nut combinations or add dried herbs to the pecan coating for a personalized touch.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator for easy entertaining.
• Dietary Swap: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar for a plant-based version that everyone can enjoy.

How to Store and Reuse Leftover Cheese Ball

• Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance its flavors. Avoid microwaving, as this can change the texture.
• Check for any signs of spoilage like unusual smell or mold before consuming leftover cheese ball.

Snacks That Match Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity that complements the creamy cheese and cuts through the richness, creating a delightful balance of flavors.
• Choose hearty whole grain or seeded crackers that provide a satisfying crunch and subtle nutty undertones, perfectly matching the pecan coating and cheese texture.
• Introduce a touch of sweetness and effervescence that enhances the cranberry's tartness and highlights the honey's subtle notes, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the rich cheese ball.
• Add cured meats like prosciutto or salami to create depth and contrast, allowing the cheese ball's complex flavors to shine against the salty, savory protein elements.

Ideas for Changing Up the Cheese Ball Recipe

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks like cucumber and carrot slices. Use certified gluten-free ingredients to ensure safe consumption for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese or almond-based soft cheese. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar to maintain a cheesy flavor profile while keeping the recipe dairy-free.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Serve with low-carb vegetable crudités such as bell pepper strips, celery, and radish rounds instead of traditional crackers.
• Vegan Adaptation: Replace dairy cheese with soft tofu or plant-based cream cheese alternatives. Use maple syrup instead of honey and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Coat with toasted mixed nuts and dried cranberries for texture and taste.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cheese blends perfectly with cranberry pecan “Holiday Cheese Ball” for a festive appetizer that sparkles with seasonal charm. Guests will savor each crisp bite of this delightful party starter that brings warmth and flavor to winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, chopped
• ¼ cup (30 grams) chopped pecans

Coating:

• ½ cup chopped pecans

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or rosemary (optional)

Serving Suggestion:

• Crackers, fresh veggies, or bread slices

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and allow cream cheese to reach room temperature for effortless blending.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, thoroughly combine cream cheese, cheddar, chopped cranberries, initial portion of pecans, honey, garlic powder, and thyme until ingredients form a harmonious mixture.
3. Transfer the blended composition onto a generous sheet of plastic wrap, using the wrap as a molding tool to shape a compact, spherical form.
4. Refrigerate the proto cheese ball for approximately one hour, allowing it to solidify and develop robust flavor integration.
5. While chilling, prepare the exterior coating by dispersing remaining pecans across a flat surface, optionally incorporating additional cranberry fragments for visual intrigue.
6. Extract the chilled cheese ball from refrigeration and carefully unwrap its protective covering.
7. Gently rotate the cheese sphere through the pecan mixture, applying consistent pressure to ensure uniform adherence of the crunchy exterior.
8. Position the decorated cheese ball centrally on an elegant serving platter, surrounding it with an assortment of complementary accompaniments like crisp crackers, raw vegetable crudités, or artisan bread slices.
9. Serve immediately or store briefly in cool conditions to maintain structural integrity and flavor profile.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
• Chop cranberries and pecans finely to ensure even distribution and better coating coverage.
• Toast pecans briefly beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cheese ball.
• Make this appetizer up to 2 days ahead, storing wrapped in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld and develop a richer taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 220 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg