Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Indulge in the ultimate holiday treat with our cranberry pecan cheese ball! Creamy, crunchy, and bursting with seasonal flavors, it’s a festive must-have for your Thanksgiving or Christmas spread.
Suitable for vegetarian and gluten free diets.
This irresistible cranberry pecan cheese ball is the perfect show-stopping appetizer for your next party or gathering. Whether you’re gearing up for a festive Thanksgiving or Christmas, or planning a crowd-pleasing spread for a Super Bowl party, this flavorful cheeseball dip is easy to make and sure to impress.
This pecan cranberry cheese ball is loaded with seasonal flavors and it’s designed to serve a crowd. The vibrant red cranberries and toasted pecans not only make for a visually stunning dish but also add a delightful crunch and sweetness to the creamy cheese base. It’s a dish that looks like you’ve spent hours preparing, but in reality, it comes together in a snap.
What makes this cheese ball truly special is its ability to deliver on flavor without requiring a lengthy list of ingredients or complicated preparation. It’s simple enough to whip up for a last-minute gathering yet so flavorful that it never fails to impress.
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During the holiday rush or when you are planning a party, a quick and easy, yet impressive appetizer is always a must.
Ps. Do also check out these awesome appetizer Italian Pinwheels or, if you prefer, this aweome list of Pinwheel Recipes.
Why Make This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation – This cheese ball comes together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for busy holiday preparations or last-minute party plans. Mix the ingredients, shape into a ball, and chill – it’s that easy!
- Attractive Presentation – With its vibrant red cranberries and golden toasted pecans, this cheeseball is a feast for the eyes. It adds a festive touch to any holiday spread and looks impressive without requiring advanced skills.
- Serves a Crowd – This recipe yields a generous cheese ball that can easily feed a group of guests. It’s ideal for parties, potlucks, or any gathering where you want to offer a delicious and shareable appetizer.
- Simple yet Flavorful – This dip is bursting with flavor despite its simplicity.
Looking for more recipes to make your next party a huge success? Check out all of our Appetizer Recipes for more delicious ideas.
Ingredient Notes
- Cream Cheese – Creamy and rich, softened cream cheese forms the base of this cheeseball, providing a smooth texture and tangy flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese – Finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese adds a sharp and savory note to the cheeseball. You can use yellow cheddar but sharp white cheddar cheese is a beautiful look.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans contribute a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, enhancing the texture and providing a contrast to the creamy cheese.
- Dried Cranberries – Sweet and tart chopped dried cranberries add bursts of flavor and festive touch to the cheeseball, balancing the richness of the cheese and the savory cheddar.
- Parsley – Chopped parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous element to the cheeseball, enhancing its visual appeal and adding a subtle hint of freshness to each bite.
- Crackers and Pretzels – These crunchy accompaniments provide the perfect vehicle for enjoying the cheesy dip.
Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!
For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
How To Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Get complete ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card further below.
Step 1. In a medium bowl, combine pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley. Remove ¼ cup and set aside to use as a garnish.
Step 2. In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and the rest of the pecan mixture. Mix well with a spoon. Cover and allow to chill for 1 hour in the fridge.
Step 3. Lay a plastic wrap on the counter. Remove the cream cheese mixture from the refrigerator and place it in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap and gently mold the cheese into a ball shape, then return it to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
Step 4. Place the reserved pecan mixture on a large plate. Unwrap and roll the ball on the pecan and cranberry mixture to coat around. Serve with crackers and pretzel.
Expert Tips
- To ensure smooth blending, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Finely shredded cheddar cheese blends more easily into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes enhances their flavor and crunch. Be careful not to burn them.
- Chop the pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cheeseball.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed. You can also use a stand mixer, hand mixer, or food processor.
- Use plastic wrap to shape the cheeseball into a smooth, round shape. This makes it easier to form and helps prevent sticking.
- For best results, chill the cheeseball in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheeseball to firm up.
Delicious Variations
- Swap the nuts. Instead of pecans, try using walnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts for a different flavor and texture.
- Use different dried fruits. Swap the dried cranberries for raisins, chopped apricots, or dried cherries for a unique twist.
- Add some spices. Add a bit of salt, pepper, or garlic powder for a traditional flavor. For something more festive, mix in a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or a spice blend like pumpkin pie spice for a warm, seasonal flavor.
- Swap the cheese. Use a different type of cheese or a combination of cheeses, such as goat cheese, blue cheese, or Gouda, to change the flavor profile.
- Add some savory elements. Add finely chopped bacon, green onions, or garlic for a savory kick.
Prep And Storage
- Prep Ahead – Bring the cream cheese to room temperature and toast the pecans before making the cheese ball.
- Store – Store the cheese ball in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze – If making ahead, you can freeze the cheeseball (without the coatings) for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before coating and serving.
FAQs
Yes, you can make the cheese ball in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to make it further in advance, you can freeze it for up to 1-2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
No, you can’t use fresh cranberries. They are too tart and firm. Dried cranberries provide a sweet and chewy texture that complements the other ingredients.
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Serve With:
- Consider serving it with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguettes, and crisp vegetables with this Spring Vegetable Platter.
- Pretzels or pita chips – They can add a great crunch, making for a well-rounded and appealing appetizer.
- Forgot to get some crackers? It pairs beautifully with Air Fryer Tortilla Chips made with just two ingredients and ready in 8 minutes.
Recommended Tools
- A large mixing bowl to combine all of the ingredients.
- A good skillet for toasting the pecans.
- Handy measuring cups and spoons so you use the proper amounts.
- For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.
More Appetizer Recipes
Appetizers can make or break a function, so choose things you know people will enjoy, we can help you out with our selection.
Thank you for reading my cheese ball with cranberries and pecans recipe post. And please come visit again as I continue to slice, dice and dream up affordable Air Fryer recipes, Instant Pot recipes, Southern Recipes, and more. Thanks for supporting Recipes from a Pantry, food blog.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 packages (16 oz) cream cheese
- ½ cup (117g) shredded cheddar cheese finely
- ⅔ cup (66g) chopped pecans
- ⅔ cup (40g) dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
Serve with
- Crackers
- Pretzels
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine pecans, dried cranberries and parsley. Remove ¼ cup and set aside to use as a garnish.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese and the rest of the pecan mixture. Mix well with a spoon. Cover and allow to chill for 1 hour in the refrigerator.
- Lay a plastic wrap on the counter. Remove cream cheese mixture from the refrigerator and place in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap and gently mold the cheese into a ball then return it to the fridge to chill for at least 1 hour.
- Place the reserved pecan mixture on a large plate. Unwrap and roll the ball on the pecan and cranberry mixture to coat around.
- Serve with crackers and pretzel.
Video
Notes
- To ensure smooth blending, let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before starting.
- Finely shredded cheddar cheese blends more easily into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring a uniform texture.
- Toasting the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes enhances their flavor and crunch. Be careful not to burn them.
- Chop the pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cheeseball.
- Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the ingredients thoroughly, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Use plastic wrap to shape the cheeseball into a smooth, round shape. This makes it easier to form and helps prevent sticking.
- For best results, chill the cheeseball in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheeseball to firm up.
