Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup chopped pecans; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Crackers or veggies for serving

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Delight your taste buds with this festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers. Creamy and rich, this savory-sweet appetizer is a blend of cream cheese, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries, beautifully rolled for an eye-catching presentation. Serve with your favorite crackers or veggies for a delightful party treat that will impress your guests and elevate your cheese board.

Created by

Emily Carter

Last updated on 2025-11-27T06:13:32.632Z

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it the perfect addition to any holiday spread.

Perfect for Any Occasion

The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is an exceptional choice for a variety of gatherings. Whether you’re hosting a festive holiday party, a casual family gathering, or a chic wine and cheese evening, this appetizer adds a touch of elegance and flavor. Its vibrant colors and unique texture make it not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes.

This cheese ball is incredibly versatile and can be paired with several accompaniments. From crunchy crackers to fresh vegetable sticks, the options are plenty, allowing guests to tailor their experience and enjoy it just the way they like. Its rich, creamy texture combined with the tangy sweetness of cranberries ensures that it's a hit with everyone.

Easy to Prepare

One of the best features of the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a stunning appetizer that looks gourmet. The preparation is straightforward, requiring minimal cooking skills, which means you can spend more time enjoying the company of your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

After mixing the ingredients together, shaping the cheese ball and refrigerating it only takes a few minutes. A little advance planning is all that’s required to ensure this dish is ready for your next get-together. Once prepared, it keeps well in the refrigerator, allowing you to make it a day ahead of your event.

Health Benefits of Ingredients

This delicious cheese ball not only satisfies your cravings but also packs a nutritional punch. Pecans are loaded with healthy fats, antioxidants, and essential vitamins such as vitamin E, which supports heart health. Meanwhile, dried cranberries are a great source of fiber and vitamin C, offering a tangy contrast that brightens the dish while providing health benefits.

Moreover, cream cheese provides a creamy base that is rich in calcium, contributing to your daily calcium intake while also enhancing the rich flavor of the appetizer. By incorporating green onions, you introduce additional vitamins A and K, improving the overall nutritional profile of your cheese ball.

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Ingredients

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Crackers or veggies for serving

Mix all the ingredients together for a creamy and crunchy delight.

Instructions

Prepare the Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Shape the Cheese Ball

Using your hands, form the mixture into a ball shape. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.

Serve

Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the fridge, unwrap, and place it on a serving platter. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies.

Enjoy your festive cheese ball!

Tips for Serving

To elevate your cheese ball even further, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of chopped pecans or fresh herbs such as parsley or chives before serving. This adds a touch of freshness and makes for an even more visually appealing display on your cheese board.

Accompany your cheese ball with a variety of flavorful crackers and fresh veggies. Options such as whole grain crackers, pita chips, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips can provide a range of textures that complement the savory-sweet flavor of the cheese ball.

Variations to Try

While the classic Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is delicious, feel free to get creative with ingredients to suit your taste! Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different taste and texture. You can also experiment with different dried fruits, such as apricots or figs, to create unique flavor combinations.

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some crumbled bacon to the mixture. These adjustments can provide a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cranberries, appealing to those who enjoy a bit of spice in their appetizers.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store them properly to enjoy at another time. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. It can typically last up to a week in the refrigerator without losing flavor or texture.

When ready to serve again, simply take it out, allow it to reach room temperature for about 30 minutes, and serve as you originally did. This makes it an easy appetizer to prepare in advance and saves you time on busy days!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with the cheese ball?

It pairs well with various crackers, fresh vegetables, or even apple slices.