Looking for the perfect holiday appetizer that’s easy, festive, and absolutely delicious? A cranberry pecan cheese ball is the answer! It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a crunch from nutty pecans. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving, Christmas, or while watching the big game, this cheese ball is sure to be the star of the snack table.
This is a delicious appetizer to serve with a cold spinach and artichoke dip!
You know me, I love all recipes that don't require any oven space. Especially during the holidays, I don't have any space for anything besides the essentials! So when I want to make an appetizer, a no bake dip is the way to go!
This cheese ball has become a staple at our holiday gatherings. My family loves it because it’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, sweet, and nutty. The dried cranberries add a festive pop of color and sweetness, while the pecans bring a yummy crunch. Plus, it’s super easy to make, and everyone loves diving into it with their favorite crackers or veggies!
Ingredients to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Cream cheese. Room temperature so it is easy to mix into the rest of the ingredients. Full fat cream cheese is best because it will hold it's shape the best.
- Cheddar cheese. Full fat cheddar, shredded. This is an indulgent appetizer, don't use fat free or low fat! Come on now!
- Garlic powder. For some extra flavor.
- Pecans. Chopped. For more flavor, toast up the pecans before chopping them. Pecans are just the best! I love them in a no bake pecan pie bar too! Sprinkle any extras onto a maple pecan fruit salad for extra crunch!
- Dried cranberries. Your favorite variety.
Be sure to check out the printable recipe card for full recipe information on ingredients and quantities.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios.
- Change the cheese! Use different cheeses like gouda, goat cheese, or pepper jack for a twist.
- Try dried apricots, cherries, or golden raisins instead of cranberries.
- You can even make this savory! Skip the cranberries and add cooked bacon bits, green onions, or chopped olives.
How To Make a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, garlic powder, and cheddar cheese.
- Step 2: Add the chopped dried cranberries and chopped pecans.
- Step 3: Mix all the ingredients together until a ball forms.
- Step 4: Cover with plastic wrap and let the ball chill in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve it.
Lynn's Tip!
Roll the ball in more chopped pecans and chopped dried cranberries for a really fun and festive presentation!
What to Serve with Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- This is a great recipe to serve with crackers! Ritz, wheat crackers, or water crackers are classics.
- Chop up some veggies! Carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices are all great choices!
- Pretzels and a hearty chip are great choices too! Their salty crunch pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese.
- Don't forget apples! A crisp, sweet crunch that goes perfectly with the tangy cheese ball.
Storage Instructions
This cheese ball is a lifesaver for busy holidays because it can be made ahead of time!
To make it ahead of time, prepare the cheese ball up to the coating step and store it wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Add the coating right before serving so the nuts and dried fruit don't get soggy.
You can freeze this cheese ball! Freeze the uncoated cheese ball for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight and roll in the chopped pecans and chopped craisins before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
If it is what you have, it will work in this recipe. Full fat cream cheese is best because it has the best flavor and will hold it's shape the best. Lower fat cream cheese tends to be more watery.
It’s safe to leave it out for about 2 hours. If it’s a warm day, keep an eye on it and refrigerate leftovers or keep the cheese ball on a cold plate.
If you’re in a rush, pop it in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm it up quickly.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Knives
Ingredients
- 1 block Cream Cheese Full Fat, room temperature
- 1 cup Cheddar Shredded
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¼ cup Dried Cranberries Chopped, plus more for rolling
- ¼ cup Pecans Chopped, plus more for rolling
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cranberries, pecans, and garlic powder together. Shape into a ball and chill until firm (about 1-2 hours). Roll in more dried cranberries and chopped pecans if you would like.
Notes
- If you’re in a rush, pop the cheese ball in the freezer for 20–30 minutes to firm it up quickly.
- Serve this cheese ball with your favorite dippers. I love using carrot sticks, celery sticks, or the classic Ritz cracker.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe if you are serving a crowd of people. Just make sure you have a big enough tray!
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