Tangy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe: A Party Favorite!

Creamy, rich cheese blends with a delightful cranberry pecan cheese ball that promises to steal the spotlight at any gathering.

Tangy cream cheese serves as the perfect base for this irresistible appetizer.

Chopped pecans add a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the smooth cheese mixture.

Vibrant dried cranberries weave a sweet-tart ribbon through each delectable bite.

The combination of textures and flavors creates a festive starter that feels both elegant and comforting.

Simple to prepare yet impressive in presentation, this cheese ball transforms ordinary snacking into a memorable experience.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch as your guests marvel at your culinary skills.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Calories: 220 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Used In Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: Creamy foundation that binds all ingredients together, choose full-fat for richer texture and smoother consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and enhances overall cheese complexity, select aged variety for more robust taste.

• Honey: Introduces subtle sweetness that balances savory notes, opt for local raw honey for deeper flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Provides gentle, aromatic background warmth without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Thyme: Delivers delicate herbal undertone that complements cheese and nuts, use dried thyme for concentrated essence.

• Pecans, Cranberries: Create delightful crunch and burst of festive color, toast pecans lightly for enhanced nutty depth and select plump, bright cranberries for maximum visual appeal.

Tools For Making Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine all ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Plastic Wrap: Essential for shaping and chilling the cheese ball perfectly.
• Plate: Used for spreading and coating the pecans and cranberries.
• Measuring Cups: Needed for precise ingredient measurements.
• Spatula or Spoon: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly and scrape sides of the bowl.
• Serving Platter: Provides an attractive base for presenting the finished cheese ball.

Easy Instructions For Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Flavor Symphony

Blend soft cream cheese with sharp cheddar in a spacious mixing bowl. Infuse the mixture with sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, a drizzle of golden honey, whispers of garlic, and earthy thyme. Stir until ingredients dance together harmoniously.

• Chilling Transformation

Gather the creamy mixture onto plastic wrap, gently sculpting it into a perfect round shape. Tuck it into the refrigerator for a cool, firm makeover lasting at least an hour.

• Nutty Armor

Spread a generous layer of chopped pecans on a plate. For extra visual drama, sprinkle additional cranberry bits across the surface.

• Final Flourish

Rescue the cheese ball from its chilly retreat. Roll it gracefully through the pecan landscape, pressing softly to ensure a complete, even coating.

• Presentation

Transfer the elegant creation to a welcoming serving platter. Surround it with an array of crisp crackers, vibrant vegetable companions, or rustic bread slices, inviting guests to dive into this irresistible appetizer.

Variations You Can Try On Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Perfect Cheese Ball Mastery: Expert Tips & Delicious Variations
• Pro Chilling Technique: Refrigerate the cheese ball for 2-3 hours to develop deeper flavor complexity and improve texture stability.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to enhance ingredient melding and convenience.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Substitute dairy cream cheese with cashew-based cream cheese or almond-based soft cheese for vegan and lactose-intolerant guests, maintaining similar creamy texture and rich taste.
• Spice Level Adventure: Experiment with additional seasonings like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or cracked black pepper to create exciting flavor profiles that complement the sweet cranberries and nutty pecans.
• Gluten-Free Serving Strategy: Replace traditional crackers with gluten-free alternatives like rice crackers, vegetable sticks, or almond flour-based crisp breads to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste experience.

Serving Ideas For Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Festive Gathering Centerpiece: Serve this cheese ball as a stunning appetizer that becomes the conversation starter at holiday parties or game night gatherings.
• Charcuterie Board Star: Arrange the cheese ball alongside various cured meats, olives, and different crackers to create a visually appealing and delicious spread.
• Rustic Entertaining Delight: Present the cheese ball on a wooden cutting board with fresh herbs like rosemary sprigs for an elegant, farmhouse-style presentation that feels warm and inviting.
• Versatile Dipping Companion: Pair with an assortment of crackers, crostini, apple slices, and whole grain breads to offer guests multiple ways to enjoy this creamy, nutty appetizer.

Best Way To Store Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Smart Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to help ingredients meld and enhance flavor depth, allowing the texture to become firmer and more manageable.
• Advance Preparation Hack: Create the cheese ball up to 3 days before serving, storing it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and develop richer taste profiles.
• Storage Safety Tips: Always keep the cheese ball refrigerated between 34-40°F to prevent bacterial growth. Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain optimal quality and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Serving Temperature Wisdom: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving, allowing it to slightly soften for easier spreading and more pronounced flavor release on crackers or bread.

Irresistible Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Delightful cranberry pecan cheese ball showcases creamy cheese blended with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans. Festive appetizer delivers rich flavors and elegant presentation for holiday gatherings you’ll love serving.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (60 g) dried cranberries, chopped
• ¾ cup (90 g) chopped pecans (¼ cup for inside, ½ cup for coating)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Crackers (for serving)
• Fresh vegetables (for serving)
• Bread slices (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Blend Mixture: Combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth, creating a rich and creamy foundation for the appetizer.
2. Flavor Infusion: Integrate chopped cranberries, honey, garlic powder, and thyme into the cheese blend, developing a complex and balanced flavor profile.
3. Initial Shaping: Use plastic wrap to form the mixture into a compact sphere, incorporating half the pecans directly into the cheese mixture for internal texture.
4. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the formed cheese ball for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and consistency to firm up.
5. Coating Preparation: Spread remaining pecans on a flat surface, optionally mixing in additional chopped cranberries for visual and textural contrast.
6. Final Assembly: Carefully roll the chilled cheese ball through the pecan mixture, ensuring a complete and uniform exterior coating.
7. Serving Presentation: Transfer the finished cranberry pecan cheese ball to a decorative platter, accompanied by an array of crackers, fresh vegetables, or artisan bread for elegant serving.

Notes

• Balance Flavors Carefully: Adjust honey and garlic powder incrementally to prevent overpowering the delicate cheese and cranberry combination.
• Prevent Moisture Separation: Pat cranberries dry before mixing to avoid excess liquid that could make the cheese ball too soft or runny.
• Achieve Perfect Texture: Let cream cheese soften completely at room temperature for smooth blending and easier shaping without lumps.
• Enhance Make-Ahead Potential: Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store tightly wrapped in refrigerator to develop richer, more integrated flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg