This cranberry cheeseball is a delicious combination of cream cheese, savory herbs, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. It’s a great holiday appetizer for your friends and family.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
Adding this cranberry pecan cheese ball recipe is the perfect holiday appetizer. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it’s easy to whip up and will impress your guests. The sweet and tart flavors of the cranberries pair perfectly with the crunchy pecans and creamy cheese.
If you love dips, then next you should try this Slow Cooker Hamburger Cheese Dip or for a sweet treat this Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip.
Jump to:
Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients that you need to make this recipe. You can find the full list of ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Cream Cheese: The creamy base of any cheeseball! Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it’s easy to mix.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar (yellow or white) gives the cheeseball its tangy, bold flavor. Grating fresh cheese works best, but pre-shredded is fine too.
- Cranberries: Dried cranberries add sweetness and pops of tart flavor, plus they look great in the mix.
- Pecans: Chopped pecans give a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Toasting them slightly brings out even more taste!
- Green Onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of color.
- Garlic Powder: Just a pinch adds a savory kick to the creamy cheese mixture.
- Salt and Pepper: A little goes a long way to bring out all the flavors in this appetizer.
Instructions
This is an overview of the steps needed to make this recipe. The full instructions are available in the recipe card.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap.
- Once chilled, roll the cheeseball in extra chopped pecans and cranberries to coat the outside.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Storage
Storage – If you have any leftovers, wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cheeseball for longer storage, and thaw it in the fridge before serving.
Freezing – To freeze the cheeseball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Thawing – To thaw the cheeseball, remove it from the freezer and let it sit in the fridge overnight. Once thawed, roll it in extra chopped pecans and cranberries before serving.
Wendy’s Tips
- Get creative with your toppings! Try using different types of nuts, dried fruits, or even chocolate chips.
- Don’t have time to chill the cheeseball? You can serve it immediately, but it may not hold its shape as well.
- For a savory twist, try adding some chopped herbs or spices into the cream cheese mixture before shaping it into a ball.
What To Serve With Cranberry Cheeseball
Variety of Crackers – Favorite crackers like pita chips, vanilla wafers, or a box of crackers provide the perfect crunch.
Veggie Sticks – Fresh veggie sticks serve as a healthier option.
Pear Slices – Try pear slices for a sweet and juicy contrast to the tangy cranberries.
Sweet Crackers – Sweet crackers add a unique twist to the flavor combination.
FAQs
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with mozzarella cheese, sharp white cheddar cheese, blue cheese, or goat cheese for a new taste experience.
Yes! Consider adding Worcestershire sauce, fresh herbs, or a little thing like a dash of hot sauce for an exciting twist.
Not necessarily. You can substitute with chopped walnuts, almonds, or even onit pecans if preferred.
Cranberry Cheeseball
Equipment
- Bowl
- plastic wrap
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup green onions finely chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra chopped pecans and cranberries for coating
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Once chilled, roll the cheeseball in extra chopped pecans and cranberries to coat the outside.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Notes
Disclaimer:
Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and proportion sizes.
Nutrition
More Recipes
Looking for cheesy recipes like this? Try these:
Leave a Reply