Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball is the perfect festive appetiser—creamy, tangy, sweet, and delightfully crunchy. This recipe combines rich cheeses with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh herbs, creating a flavour profile that feels both comforting and elegant. It comes together in minutes, yet looks impressive on any holiday table. I once softened the base with a splash of almond milk to make mixing easier, and the texture stayed wonderfully smooth without affecting the shape. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, a New Year gathering, or simply need a quick seasonal snack, this cheese ball delivers maximum impact with minimal effort.
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Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball: A Festive, Crowd-Pleasing Appetiser for Every Celebration
- Total Time: 10 mins + chilling
- Yield: 1 cheese ball
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball made with a creamy cheese blend, tangy dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans—perfect for festive gatherings and holiday snack boards.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup goat cheese or feta (optional for tang)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped (plus extra for coating)
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp honey (optional for sweetness)
- Crackers or veggies for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, goat cheese (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chopped cranberries, pecans, and green onions until evenly mixed.
- Add honey for sweetness and blend well.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or plastic wrap.
- Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped cranberries and pecans until fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, toast the pecans before mixing.
- Can be made 2–3 days in advance; coat just before serving.
- Shape into a wreath or mini cheese balls for a festive presentation.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream cheese
This forms the creamy foundation of the cheese ball. Its smooth texture helps all the mix-ins bind together and creates the perfect spreadable consistency.
Shredded sharp cheddar
Adds depth, savoury richness, and a bit of tang that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Dried cranberries
Their subtle sweetness and chewy texture create a festive contrast to the creamy cheese. They also bring a pop of colour.
Toasted pecans
Provide crunch, warmth, and a nutty flavour that complements both the cranberries and the cheese base.
Green onions
Introduce mild sharpness, cutting through the richness and adding freshness.
Garlic powder
Adds subtle savoury depth without overpowering the other components.
Honey
A small drizzle enhances the festive sweetness and rounds out the flavour.
Salt and pepper
Help balance richness and highlight each ingredient’s character.
Directions
Start by placing softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Add the cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, green onions, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and no streaks remain. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Scoop the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a round ball by pulling the wrap tightly around the mixture and smoothing with your hands. Chill for at least one hour so the cheese ball can firm up and the flavours can develop.
When ready to serve, roll the cheese ball in additional chopped cranberries and pecans for an attractive holiday coating. Transfer to a serving plate and surround with crackers, sliced apples, pretzels, or toasted baguette slices. Serve chilled or slightly softened.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 8–10 people as an appetiser. Preparation takes 10 minutes, followed by at least 1 hour of chilling time for optimal texture.
Storage/reheating
Store the cheese ball in the refrigerator wrapped tightly for up to three days. It should not be reheated, as cheese balls are meant to be served chilled or at room temperature. If the cheese ball becomes too firm, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving.
Variations and Customizations
Savory Herb Holiday Cheese Ball
Add rosemary, thyme, or dill for a more savoury and aromatic flavour profile.
Maple Pecan Cheese Ball
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a warm, deeper sweetness.
Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Ball
Stir in finely diced jalapeños for a sweet-spicy contrast.
White Cheddar and Cranberry Version
Swap sharp cheddar for white cheddar to create a milder, creamier base.
Goat Cheese Blend
Replace half the cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier finish.
Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball
Fold in crispy bacon pieces for a smoky, savoury twist.
Almond-Coated Cheese Ball
Use chopped almonds instead of pecans for a lighter, crunchier exterior.
Mini Cheese Balls
Roll the mixture into small bite-sized portions and coat individually for party-ready servings.
Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball
Add orange zest for a bright, citrusy holiday flavour.
Vegan Holiday Cheese Ball
Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar, and coat with nuts and herbs.
FAQs
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Can I freeze a cheese ball for later?
What crackers pair best with this recipe?
Can I substitute walnuts for pecans?
How do I keep the cheese ball from becoming too soft?
Can I make it dairy-free?
Should pecans be toasted before using?
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Can I make a spicy version?
How long can the cheese ball sit out?
Conclusion
A Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball is the perfect festive appetiser—simple, beautiful, and full of seasonal flavour. With its combination of tangy cheese, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs, it delivers both elegance and comfort. Easy to prepare ahead and endlessly versatile, this recipe is ideal for holiday gatherings or as a quick, impressive addition to any party spread. It’s a dish guests remember and one you’ll find yourself making year after year.
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