Festive Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Recipe for Gatherings

Crafting a cranberry pecan cream cheese ball that becomes the talk of your holiday gathering.

This festive appetizer combines creamy textures with bright, tangy flavors that dance across your palate.

Crunchy pecans add a delightful contrast to the smooth cream cheese base.

Fresh cranberries bring a burst of color and zesty excitement to every bite.

The recipe promises to be both elegant and incredibly simple to prepare.

Sweet and savory notes intertwine, creating a crowd-pleasing starter that disappears faster than you can slice a cracker.

Bring this show-stopping appetizer to your next potluck, and watch guests marvel at your culinary creativity.

Why Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Stands Out

• Bursting with Festive Flavors: This cream cheese ball combines the tangy sweetness of cranberries with the rich, nutty crunch of pecans, creating a holiday-perfect appetizer that dances with delightful taste sensations.
• Super Simple Prep: Whip up this crowd-pleaser in just minutes using a hand mixer and basic ingredients, making it an effortless recipe for home cooks of all skill levels who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Versatile Party Pleaser: Perfect for holiday gatherings, game day spreads, or casual get-togethers, this cheese ball offers a beautiful balance of creamy texture and exciting mix-ins that will have guests coming back for more.
• Customizable Crowd-Maker: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting seasonings or adding extra herbs, ensuring a unique twist that suits your personal taste and keeps everyone excited about this delicious appetizer.

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Soft and rich base that provides creamy texture and tangy flavor, best when at room temperature.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth and extra richness to the cheese ball, sharp varieties provide more intense flavor.

• Cranberries, Pecans: Dried cranberries offer sweet-tart burst, while pecans contribute crunchy texture and nutty taste, both chopped for even distribution.
• Green Onions: Provides mild onion flavor and fresh, slightly sharp note to balance the creamy cheeses.

• Honey: Optional sweet element that can soften the overall savory profile, works well with tangy cheeses.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, rounded garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the cheese ball.

Steps To Make Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

Step 1: Soften The Cream Cheese

Grab a medium mixing bowl and use a hand mixer to transform the cream cheese into a silky, smooth mixture. Beat it until it’s completely creamy and free of any lumps.

Step 2: Create A Flavor Explosion

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Finely sliced green onions
• Honey
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Mix And Blend

Use the hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to combine all the ingredients. Stir with enthusiasm until everything is perfectly incorporated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 4: Shape The Cheese Ball

Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gently shape it into a round ball, using the wrap to help you mold it smoothly. Make sure the surface is even and compact.

Step 5: Chill And Let Flavors Mingle

Wrap the cheese ball completely in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Let it rest for at least an hour, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

Step 6: Serve And Enjoy

Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving. Unwrap and place on a serving platter. Surround with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Pro Tip: For an extra touch, roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans before chilling to create a gorgeous, crunchy exterior.

Tips That Work For Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

• Soften Cream Cheese Perfectly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free texture.
• Balance Flavor Boost: Adjust honey amount based on desired sweetness, or substitute with maple syrup for a deeper, richer taste.
• Chop Ingredients Uniformly: Finely dice cranberries and green onions to distribute flavors evenly throughout the cheese ball.
• Make Ahead with Ease: Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to enhance flavor melding.
• Customize Coating Options: Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans or fresh herbs like parsley for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Keep Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Fresh

• Refrigerate: Wrap the cream cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Seal the cheese ball in a freezer-safe container or wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks, ensuring no air exposure to prevent freezer burn.
• Thawing: Transfer the frozen cheese ball to the refrigerator overnight. Allow it to slowly defrost, which helps preserve its creamy texture and prevents moisture separation.
• Serving After Storage: Let the chilled cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance its spreadable consistency.

Tasty Pairings With Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

• Crunch with Wine Pairing: Reach for a crisp sauvignon blanc or dry riesling to complement the tangy cream cheese and cut through the rich, creamy texture of the cheese ball.
• Toast and Serve Perfectly: Spread this delightful mixture on toasted baguette slices or buttery crackers to enhance the nutty pecan and sharp cheddar flavors.
• Elevate with Charcuterie: Arrange this cranberry pecan cheese ball alongside prosciutto, salami, and mild gouda for a stunning appetizer board that balances sweet, savory, and creamy elements.
• Brighten with Fresh Sides: Pair with crisp apple slices or pear wedges to add a fresh, light contrast to the dense, rich cheese ball and provide a clean palate cleansing effect.

Fun Ways To Tweak Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

• Berry Nutty Fusion: Swap dried cranberries with fresh blueberries and swap pecans for toasted almonds for a vibrant, summer-inspired cream cheese ball that brings fresh flavors and crunchy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace green onions with cilantro, add ground cumin, and mix in crumbled cotija cheese for a zesty, southwestern-inspired cream cheese appetizer with bold heat.
• Smoky Mediterranean Blend: Add crumbled feta cheese, chopped sundried tomatoes, fresh chopped basil, and sprinkle smoked paprika for a Mediterranean-inspired cream cheese ball that offers rich, tangy notes and complex flavor profile.
• Herb Garden Sensation: Mix in fresh chopped dill, chives, and parsley, replace honey with a touch of lemon zest, and incorporate some crumbled goat cheese for a bright, herbaceous cream cheese ball with garden-fresh appeal.

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Questions

• What makes this cream cheese ball special?

This appetizer combines sweet and savory flavors with the tartness of cranberries, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of cream cheese, creating a unique and delicious party snack.

• Can I make this cream cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it 1-2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator, which actually helps the flavors meld together even more intensely.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Yes! The festive combination of cranberries and pecans makes this cream cheese ball perfect for holiday parties, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

No special equipment is needed – just a medium bowl and a hand mixer are sufficient to create this delightful appetizer.

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry pecan cream cheese ball brings festive cheer to holiday gatherings with its tangy-sweet profile. Elegant appetizer blends smooth cream cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, delivering irresistible flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (225 grams) cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup (50 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Nuts and Dried Fruits:

• ¼ cup (25 grams) chopped pecans (plus more for coating)
• ¼ cup (30 grams) dried cranberries, finely chopped
• ½ cup (50 grams) chopped pecans (for coating)

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Serving Suggestions:

• Crackers
• Vegetable sticks
• Baguette slices

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Instructions

1. Soften cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl, using an electric mixer to transform it into a silky, uniform texture.
2. Incorporate shredded cheddar, finely chopped cranberries, and toasted pecans into the cream cheese base, creating a vibrant and textured mixture.
3. Mince green onions and fold them gently into the cheese blend, distributing their sharp, fresh flavor throughout the spread.
4. Drizzle honey for a subtle sweetness, then season with garlic powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Thoroughly blend all ingredients until they form a cohesive, well-integrated cheese mixture with a balanced distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap, carefully shaping it into a compact ball using the wrap to help form a smooth, rounded exterior.
7. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle and serve.
8. Before serving, optionally roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans to create a crunchy, decorative exterior that adds texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cheese ball.
• For a lower-fat version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese without compromising taste.
• Make ahead and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up, making it easier to shape and serve.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 170
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg