Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe for Holiday Joy

Whipping up a festive cranberry pecan cheese ball promises to be the star of any gathering.

Creamy textures blend with crunchy nutty goodness for an irresistible appetizer.

Holiday parties sparkle with this delightful combination of tangy and rich flavors.

Sharp cheese mingles with sweet-tart cranberries and toasted pecans, creating a perfect bite.

Simple ingredients come together in minutes, making preparation a breeze.

Impressive yet effortless, this cheese ball will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball That Brightens the Table

• Quick Chilling Convenience: With just one hour of refrigeration, you can transform simple ingredients into an impressive appetizer that looks professionally crafted.
• Versatile Entertaining Option: Perfect for holiday parties, game nights, or casual potlucks, this recipe adapts seamlessly to different social settings and impresses guests with its gourmet appearance.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese ball in advance, allowing flavors to meld and reducing last-minute stress during entertaining, while maintaining delicious taste and presentation.

What Goes Into Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: Soft, creamy foundation for the cheese ball, provides smooth texture and rich flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds bold taste and extra cheesy depth.

• Dried Cranberries, Pecans: Sweet-tart berries and crunchy nuts provide texture and festive flavor profile.

• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances savory cheese flavors.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds deep, tangy umami complexity.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle aromatic background note.
• Onion Powder: Contributes mild, savory undertone.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for overall flavor balance.

Cheese Ball Shaping for a Cranberry Pecan Party Hit

Step 1: Blend Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, golden honey, zesty Worcestershire sauce, aromatic garlic powder, sweet onion powder, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper.

Use a sturdy spatula or electric mixer to blend ingredients until they’re perfectly integrated and smooth.

Step 2: Shape Delectable Cheese Ball

Carefully mold the mixed ingredients into a round, compact ball using clean hands.

Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets remain.

Refrigerate for minimum 60 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and texture to firm up.

Step 3: Prepare Crunchy Exterior Coating

Grab a separate small bowl and combine finely chopped pecans and dried cranberries.

This vibrant mixture will create a delightful textured exterior for your cheese ball.

Step 4: Roll and Coat Cheese Ball

Remove chilled cheese ball from refrigerator and gently unwrap.

Carefully roll the ball in the pecan-cranberry mixture, using light pressure to ensure an even, complete coating.

Press coating gently to help it adhere to the cheese surface.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Place the beautifully coated cheese ball on a decorative serving platter.

Accompany with an array of crisp crackers, artisan bread slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.

Enjoy immediately or keep refrigerated until party time.

Cheese Ball Forming Tips for a Festive Cranberry Finish

• Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least an hour to help it hold its shape and develop richer flavors.
• Lightly toast the pecans before mixing to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, goat cheese, or blue cheese for unique taste profiles.
• Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance, keeping it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Use low-fat cream cheese for a lighter version or dairy-free cream cheese alternative for a vegan-friendly appetizer.

Save Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for maximum 2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor.
• Discard if you notice any unusual smell, mold, or significant texture changes after storage.

Snack Ideas for a Cheese Ball Recipe

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy cheese and cut through the richness, creating a balanced flavor profile.
• Serve with Artisan Crackers: Choose rustic wheat or seeded crackers that add textural crunch and provide a sturdy base for the cheese ball's delicate blend of sweet and savory notes.
• Match with Sparkling Apple Cider: Bring a refreshing, light sweetness that echoes the cranberry's tartness and balances the nutty pecan coating, perfect for holiday gatherings.
• Enhance with Charcuterie Elements: Add prosciutto or salami slices alongside the cheese ball to introduce a salty contrast that heightens the overall tasting experience.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Flavor Combinations

• Holiday Herb Cheese Ball: Replace cranberries and pecans with finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives for a savory garden-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwestern Cheese Ball: Swap pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds, add diced jalapeños, and mix in ground cumin and chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Gluten-Free Cheese Ball: Use gluten-free crackers for serving and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Fat Cheese Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt cream cheese, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.

FAQs

• Are the cranberries and pecans necessary for the recipe?

Yes, they provide essential flavor and texture to the cheese ball, creating a balance of sweetness, crunch, and tanginess.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

While the recipe calls for cream cheese and cheddar, you can experiment with soft cheeses like goat cheese or mild blue cheese for variations in flavor.

• How do I know the cheese ball is well-mixed?

The mixture should look uniform in color and consistency, with no large unmixed chunks of cream cheese or ingredients visibly separated.

• Is this recipe good for holiday gatherings?

Absolutely! The festive colors of cranberries and pecans make this cheese ball perfect for holiday parties, offering a delicious and attractive appetizer that’s easy to prepare.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Festive holiday gatherings come alive with this creamy cranberry pecan cheese ball, blending rich cream cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Guests will devour this elegant appetizer that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and nutty flavors in one irresistible bite.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Dried Fruit and Nuts:

• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (1/4 cup inside, 1/2 cup for coating)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly amalgamate cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, pecans, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients meld seamlessly into a unified consistency.
2. Mold the creamy mixture into a compact, spherical shape using gentle hand pressure, ensuring uniform roundness and density.
3. Encase the cheese formation tightly in transparent plastic wrap, eliminating potential air pockets that might compromise texture.
4. Refrigerate the wrapped delicacy for approximately 60-75 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and structural integrity to solidify.
5. While chilling, prepare the exterior coating by meticulously combining finely chopped pecans and cranberries in a separate shallow dish.
6. Carefully extract the cheese ball from its refrigerated environment and delicately roll its surface through the prepared pecan-cranberry mixture, applying gentle, even pressure to create a complete and consistent exterior coverage.
7. Transfer the finished cheese sphere to a decorative serving platter, accompanied by an assortment of crisp crackers or artisan bread for an elegant appetizer presentation.
8. If not serving immediately, return the coated cheese ball to the refrigerator, maintaining its optimal texture and flavor until guests arrive.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Choose dried cranberries instead of fresh to prevent excess moisture in the cheese ball.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like goat cheese or blue cheese for unique flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 265 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 8 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg