Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is more than just a delightful appetizer—it’s an experience that ignites the senses! Imagine the rich, creamy texture of the cheese mingling with the subtle sweetness of dried cranberries and the earthy crunch of pecans. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors that dances on your palate, leaving you craving more. As the holidays approach, I can’t help but reminisce about gatherings where friends and family come together, sharing laughter and stories over delicious bites. This cheese ball has made its way to many of our special occasions, becoming a staple that everyone eagerly anticipates. As you prepare your holiday spread, let this beautiful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball take center stage—it’s sure to be the star of the show!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Get your mixing bowl ready; this scrumptious cheese ball will be one of the easiest yet most satisfying recipes you whip up this season. Whether it’s for a cozy family gathering or a lively party with friends, this crowd-pleaser is simple to make and even more fun to share!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip it up in just 10 minutes—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Irresistible Flavor: The creamy texture combined with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans creates a taste you’ll crave.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Its beautiful presentation makes it an impressive appetizer for any occasion.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for parties, game day, or even a cozy night in with your favorite crackers.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit gluten-free diets!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Cream Cheese (8 oz, 2 packs): Softened to room temperature, cream cheese forms the creamy base of this cheese ball. Don’t try to rush this process—softened cream cheese blends more smoothly.
White Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): The nutty flavor of white cheddar balances beautifully with the sweetness of cranberries. Feel free to swap with sharp cheddar for a bolder taste.
Dried Cranberries (1 cup, roughly chopped): These add a pop of sweetness and contrast to savory flavors. If you prefer a tropical twist, try dried pineapple or mango!
Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped): Pecans add a crunchy texture and rich flavor. You can use walnuts if you’re in a pinch, but they will lend a different taste experience.
Fresh Chives (2 tbsp, chopped): Bright and slightly oniony, fresh chives enhance the overall flavor with a fresh touch. Dried chives can work, but fresh is always best.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar until smooth and creamy. Add in half of the chopped dried cranberries, half of the chopped pecans, and one tablespoon of chopped chives, mixing until evenly combined. This step creates a balanced flavor that gets the festivities started!

Shape the Ball: Once your mixture is well combined, scrape down the sides of the bowl to gather it all into the center. With greased hands, form the cheese mixture into a ball, about the size of a large orange. Place it onto a sheet of plastic wrap and wrap it tightly to keep its shape. This helps it chill beautifully!

Chill: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least one hour to firm up. This step is critical as it allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to settle just right. While you wait, you can picture your guests’ delight when they see this beauty!

Prepare the Coating: On a plate, combine the remaining half cup of chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and the last tablespoon of chopped chives. This colorful mix is not only delicious but also visually stunning—perfect for rolling your cheese ball into!

Roll it Up: After chilling, take the cheese ball out of the fridge and unwrap it. Gently roll the ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing slightly to ensure it adheres well. This final touch creates a gorgeous outer layer that’s as tasty as it looks!

Let it Sit: Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving. This brings the flavors to life and softens the cheese, making it so easy to spread on your favorite crackers!

Serve: Arrange the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or apple slices. Watch as your guests dive in—this **Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball** will surely disappear in no time!

Storing & Reheating

For storage at room temperature, the cheese ball can keep well for about two hours—perfect for your party setup. If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week. For longer storage, wrap securely and freeze the cheese ball for up to three months. To enjoy the flavors again, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring it back to room temperature before serving—give it a gentle roll in the pecan mix if needed to refresh its exterior.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

To avoid a too-soft cheese ball, make sure your cream cheese is properly softened but not overly warm.
If the mixture feels too dry, consider adding a splash of cream or milk.
For a uniform rolling experience, use a plate with raised edges to prevent the mix from flying everywhere.
Experiment with flavors by adding spices like garlic powder or herbs such as dill for a unique twist.
Make it a day ahead of time! This cheese ball tastes even better as it chills and develops flavor overnight.

This delightful and simple Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is an easy addition to your holiday spread, bringing cheer and good vibes to your gatherings. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy, making it irresistible to everyone at the table. Experiment with the ingredients as you see fit, and get ready for lots of compliments!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball can be made up to a day in advance. Simply prepare the cheese ball, wrap it well, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving to regain its creamy texture.

What can I serve with this cheese ball?

This cheese ball pairs beautifully with an assortment of crackers, apple slices, carrot sticks, or even pretzel chips! You can also include bread slices for spreading—let your guests get creative!

Can I use different nuts or cheeses?

Of course! Feel free to substitute different nuts like walnuts or almonds. As for the cheese, a blend of cream cheese with goat cheese can add a tangy twist, or you might try different shredded cheeses for a flavor change.

How to store leftovers?

Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If frozen, make sure to properly wrap it to avoid freezer burn. Always thaw in the fridge overnight before serving again.

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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball combines creamy cheese with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, making it a must-have for gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and full of delightful flavors that will impress anyone at your table.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese (8 oz, 2 packs)
White Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded)
Dried Cranberries (1 cup, roughly chopped)
Pecans (1 cup, finely chopped)
Fresh Chives (2 tbsp, chopped)

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar until smooth.
Add half of the chopped dried cranberries, half of the chopped pecans, and one tablespoon of chopped chives; mix until combined.
Shape the mixture into a ball using greased hands and wrap in plastic wrap.
Refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up.
Combine remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives on a plate for coating.
Roll the chilled cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture until well coated.
Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving.
Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Make sure cream cheese is well softened, but not overly warm.
This cheese ball can be made a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.