If you love a festive and flavorful appetizer that’s both easy to prepare and stunning on the party table, then this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe is just what you need. Creamy, tangy cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar, a hint of sweetness from brown sugar and dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of pecans makes this cheese ball a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any time you want to impress guests without fussing over complicated steps. Get ready to add a delicious, colorful centerpiece to your next get-together!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are not only simple but essential for achieving the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors in this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe. Each adds its own touch of texture and deliciousness, turning basic components into a standout treat.

Full-fat brick-style cream cheese (16 ounces): Cream cheese is the rich, smooth base that holds everything together with a luscious texture.
Shredded sharp white cheddar cheese (1 and 3/4 cups): Adds a bold, tangy flavor that complements the sweetness and crunch.
Chopped fresh chives (2 tablespoons, divided): Brings a mild oniony freshness and vibrant green color both inside the ball and as a coating.
Chopped fresh parsley (2 teaspoons): Adds a subtle herbaceous note, boosting flavor complexity and brightness.
Light or dark brown sugar (1 teaspoon): Provides a gentle sweetness that balances the savory cheese.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a warm depth of flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the other flavors perfectly.
Freshly ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick to keep things interesting.
Finely chopped dried cranberries (3/4 cup, divided): Sweet and tart bursts that also lend a lovely festive red color.
Finely chopped pecans (3/4 cup, divided): Crunchy, buttery, and nutty coating that contrasts beautifully with the creamy center.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base

Start by letting the full-fat cream cheese soften at room temperature; this helps you achieve a smooth, creamy texture effortlessly. Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese on medium-high speed for about two minutes until it’s fluffy and free of lumps. This step makes sure your cheese ball is perfectly smooth and easy to mix with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Mix in Cheddar and Flavorings

Next, add the shredded sharp white cheddar, half of the chopped fresh chives, fresh parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the chopped dried cranberries and pecans to the creamy base. Beat or stir everything together until fully combined. It’s totally fine to use your hands or a spatula at this point to pull the mixture into a ball; the blend will be slightly sticky but easy to manage when you get crafty with it!

Step 3: Prepare the Coating

In a small bowl, mix the remaining chives, dried cranberries, and pecans. This colorful coating is what sets the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe apart by adding a crunchy, sweet-tart, and herbaceous outer layer that makes each bite exciting.

Step 4: Roll and Chill

Sprinkle the coating mixture generously on a large plate. Roll your cheese ball around on this coating, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough layer sticks to the outside. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or if you’re prepping ahead, up to five days. This chilling step lets the flavors meld beautifully while firming up the cheese ball for easy serving.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Before serving, unwrap the cheese ball and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 to 30 minutes. This resting time softens the texture, making it perfectly spreadable. Place the cheese ball on a pretty plate or platter, surround it with your favorite crackers, and offer a small knife so everyone can easily scoop up a bit of this irresistible appetizer.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

Garnishes

Adding simple garnishes like fresh herbs—extra chives or parsley—can amplify the fresh visual appeal and flavor. You might also try a few whole pecans or dried cranberries artfully scattered nearby to hint at the delicious textures inside.

Side Dishes

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe pairs wonderfully with an assortment of crackers, crusty sliced baguette, or even crisp vegetable sticks like celery and carrot for those who want a lighter, crunchier option. A small bowl of honey or fruit preserves can also be a delightful sweet contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take this cheese ball up a notch by serving it on a wooden cutting board or among fresh seasonal fruits like grapes or apple slices. For a festive touch, shape it into a sphere to mimic a holiday ornament or use a decorative bowl to nestle the cheese ball with the coated coating clearly visible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your gathering, simply wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, but it’s at its best within the first 5 days when all the flavors are freshest.

Freezing

While this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it if needed. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then allow it to soften at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

Reheating isn’t typically necessary since this cheese ball is served cold or at room temperature. The best approach is to let it sit out for 20–30 minutes after refrigeration to soften the texture and make spreading effortless.

FAQs

Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese for this cheese ball?

While you can substitute reduced-fat cream cheese, the texture and richness won’t be quite the same. Full-fat cream cheese gives the cheese ball that perfectly creamy consistency and full flavor that makes this recipe so special.

How far ahead can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe?

You can prepare it up to five days in advance and keep it refrigerated, which makes this a fantastic make-ahead appetizer for busy hosts.

Are there alternative nuts I can use instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can be great substitutes. Just chop them finely and toast lightly if you want to boost their flavor before coating the cheese ball.

Is it okay to substitute fresh herbs with dried herbs?

Fresh herbs really brighten the flavor here, so if possible, use fresh. If you must use dried, reduce the quantity since dried herbs are more concentrated and add them during mixing, not in the coating.

Can the cheese ball be made gluten-free?

Definitely! The cheese ball itself is gluten-free. Just serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggies to keep the entire appetizer compliant with a gluten-free diet.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to bring out for celebrations and casual get-togethers alike. It’s effortless to make, bursting with flavor and texture, and always a hit with guests. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become the star of your appetizer table—your friends will thank you, and you’ll have an easy, delicious signature dish to reach for every time.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe

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3.8 from 55 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 24 servings 1x

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Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer is a creamy and flavorful party favorite featuring a blend of full-fat cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, fresh herbs, and a sweet-savory coating of dried cranberries and pecans. Perfect for entertaining, it’s simple to prepare ahead of time and pairs beautifully with crackers for an irresistible snack or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Mixture

16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
1 and 3/4 cups (175g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup (108g) finely chopped dried cranberries, divided
3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans, divided

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Instructions

Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. If using a hand mixer, note the mixture will be thick; alternatively, mix by hand with a silicone spatula.
Combine Ingredients: Add shredded sharp cheddar, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the chopped dried cranberries (about 6 tablespoons), and half of the chopped pecans (about 6 tablespoons). Beat or stir until fully combined. Scrape down bowl sides and bring mixture together into a ball, using hands if necessary, as the mixture is slightly sticky.
Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, mix the remaining chopped chives, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
Coat the Cheese Ball: Sprinkle the coating mixture onto a large plate, then roll the cheese ball to evenly coat it with the cranberry, pecan, and chive mixture.
Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 days to let the flavors meld and firm up the texture.
Serve: Remove from refrigerator and let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly. Unwrap and place on a serving plate surrounded by crackers, providing a knife for spreading.
Store Leftovers: Wrap leftover cheese ball tightly and refrigerate for up to 10 days, best consumed within 5 days for optimal freshness and flavor.

Notes

Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
Use a stand mixer if possible, as it handles the thick cheese mixture better than a hand mixer.
The cheese ball can be made up to 5 days ahead, making it perfect for entertaining.
Allowing the ball to sit at room temperature before serving ensures it’s easy to spread on crackers.
Store tightly wrapped to prevent drying out and absorbing other fridge odors.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American