Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is easy, make-ahead friendly, festive, and perfect for entertaining. It balances sweet and savory flavors beautifully, requires no baking, and delivers a classic holiday taste that appeals to all ages.
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Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball: A Festive, Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer with Classic Flavor
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cranberry pecan holiday cheese ball made with creamy cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for entertaining and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Extra chopped cranberries and pecans, for coating
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Mix in chopped cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey if using.
- Cover and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour to firm up.
- Shape the chilled mixture into a ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in extra chopped cranberries and pecans until fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples.
Notes
- Make up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for easier spreading.
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cream cheese
Creates the smooth, rich base that holds the cheese ball together.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Adds bold, savory flavor and depth to the mixture.
Green onions
Provide a mild onion bite and freshness.
Garlic powder
Enhances savory flavor without overpowering the cheese.
Salt
Balances the richness of the cheese.
Black pepper
Adds gentle warmth and seasoning.
Dried cranberries
Bring sweetness and festive color to the outer coating.
Chopped pecans
Add crunch, nuttiness, and classic holiday flavor.
Fresh parsley (optional)
Adds color and a fresh finish for presentation.
Directions
Begin by allowing the cream cheese to soften fully at room temperature. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined.
Using clean hands or a spatula, shape the cheese mixture into a round ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow it to firm up and develop flavor.
While the cheese chills, combine chopped dried cranberries and pecans on a plate. Once the cheese ball is firm, roll it evenly in the cranberry-pecan mixture, gently pressing to ensure the coating sticks well.
Transfer to a serving platter, garnish with parsley if desired, and serve chilled or slightly softened with crackers or bread.
Essential Equipment
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
Serves 8–10
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1–2 hours
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to five days. This appetizer does not require reheating. For best texture and flavor, remove from the refrigerator about 15 minutes before serving to slightly soften.
Variations and Customizations
Honey Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Drizzle honey into the cheese mixture for extra sweetness.
Spicy Holiday Cheese Ball
Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
Herb-Infused Cheese Ball
Mix fresh rosemary or thyme into the cheese base.
Blue Cheese Twist
Replace part of the cheddar with blue cheese for bold flavor.
Walnut Cranberry Version
Swap pecans for walnuts for a different nutty profile.
Everything Seasoning Cheese Ball
Roll the cheese ball in everything seasoning instead of nuts.
Goat Cheese Blend
Replace part of the cream cheese with goat cheese for tang.
Mini Cheese Balls
Form into smaller balls for individual servings.
Savory Bacon Version
Add finely chopped cooked bacon to the cheese mixture.
Low-Sodium Option
Use reduced-sodium cheese and season lightly.
FAQs
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, it’s ideal for making one to two days in advance.
Should the cheese ball be served cold?
It’s best slightly softened for easy spreading.
Can I use fresh cranberries?
Dried cranberries work best for texture and sweetness.
Do I need a mixer?
No, but a mixer makes blending easier.
What crackers pair best with this cheese ball?
Butter crackers, wheat crackers, or crostini work well.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes.
Can I make this nut-free?
Yes, roll the cheese ball in dried cranberries only.
How do I keep it round?
Chilling helps maintain shape before coating.
Can kids enjoy this recipe?
Yes, it’s mild and family-friendly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the cheese ball itself is gluten-free.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball is a classic appetizer that delivers creamy texture, festive flavor, and effortless elegance. Perfect for holidays, parties, and gatherings, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time and always a crowd favorite. With its sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and rich cheese center, this recipe is a reliable, timeless addition to any celebration table.
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