Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the ultimate festive appetizer for the holidays. Made with just five simple ingredients — creamy cheese, dried cranberries, sharp white cheddar, fresh green onions, and crunchy pecans — it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve, this gorgeous cheese ball will instantly steal the spotlight on your party table.

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The best part? It takes only 10 minutes to prepare and can be made ahead of time, so you can focus on enjoying the celebration rather than stressing in the kitchen.

If you’re planning a spread of delicious holiday appetizers, don’t miss out on other crowd-pleasing bites like bacon-wrapped smokies, cranberry salsa, hot cranberry brie bites, or a gooey queso dip. Together, they make any gathering unforgettable.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cheese balls have been a go-to party classic for decades, and this version takes it to the next level. Here’s why this recipe deserves a spot on your holiday menu:

• Effortless & Make-Ahead Friendly: You can mix it, shape it, and refrigerate it a day or two in advance. The flavors only get better as they sit and mingle.
• Festive Colors & Flavors: The bright red cranberries and fresh green onions make it look like Christmas on a plate. It’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
• Incredible Texture & Taste: The creamy cheese base, chewy cranberries, and crunchy pecans create the perfect contrast. Every bite is rich, flavorful, and addictive.
• Versatile Presentation: Shape it into a traditional ball or roll it into a log for easy slicing and serving with crackers or veggies.

This appetizer never fails to impress guests — it’s simple, elegant, and utterly irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball comes together with only five basic ingredients, yet the flavor feels gourmet.

Inside the Cheese Ball:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy, tangy base that holds everything together. Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet, tart, and chewy. Chop them finely so they blend evenly and release their flavor.
• Green Onions: Add a subtle sharpness that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Gives the cheese ball a rich, savory depth. Freshly grated cheddar melts in perfectly with the cream cheese.

For the Coating:

• Pecans: Chopped and lightly toasted for a deep, nutty crunch.
• More Cranberries and Green Onions: Adds color and a beautiful finishing touch.

This mix of flavors and textures makes it both a showstopper and a conversation starter.

How to Make a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This appetizer couldn’t be easier. You can prepare it in under 10 minutes — perfect for busy holiday hosts.

1. Mix the Ingredients

In a mixing bowl or stand mixer with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese until smooth. Add the chopped cranberries and green onions, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.

💡 Pro Tip: Make sure your cream cheese is slightly softened to mix easily. If mixing by hand, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes first.

2. Shape the Cheese Ball

Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape it into a ball or log, depending on your serving preference. Both look equally elegant on a platter surrounded by crackers or sliced baguette.

3. Prepare the Coating

On a large plate, combine the chopped pecans, extra cranberries, and green onions (or parsley if you prefer). Gently roll the cheese ball in the mixture until every side is evenly coated.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

One of the best parts about this recipe is its make-ahead convenience.

• Refrigerate: Store covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to five days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cheese mixture (without the coating) for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and coat with the pecans and cranberries before serving.
• Leftovers: Any leftover cheese ball can be spread on bagels or used as a sandwich filling — it’s delicious both ways.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible — you can customize it to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Parsley Instead of Green Onions: For a milder, fresher flavor and vibrant green color.
• Chives: Offer a more delicate onion flavor.
• Walnuts Instead of Pecans: Equally tasty, especially if lightly toasted.
• Goat Cheese for Cream Cheese: Swap for a tangier twist. Add a splash of milk to make it creamier if needed.

Each variation adds a unique touch, but the combination of cranberries, pecans, and creamy cheese always shines through.

Cheese Ball or Cheese Log?

This recipe makes one large cheese ball, but you can easily divide it into two smaller ones — perfect if you want to serve it at multiple gatherings.

Shaping it into a log makes slicing easier and looks elegant on a rectangular platter with crackers or crostini. My family loves it both ways and we serve it every year during the holidays. It’s become our go-to snack before the big meal and a staple for New Year’s Eve celebrations.

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