Cozy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe for Festive Gatherings

Creamy cheese balls with cranberry pecan crunch will become your next party favorite.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with tangy dried fruit and crunchy nuts.

Sharp flavors merge into a delightful appetizer that looks impressive yet takes minimal effort.

Guests always ask for the recipe after one bite.

Holiday gatherings or casual game nights provide perfect moments to serve this crowd-pleasing spread.

Guests will appreciate the balance between smooth cheese and textured nuts.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds. Just make sure to chop them finely for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

• What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can replace Parmesan with another hard cheese like aged cheddar or Romano. The key is to use a cheese with a strong, sharp flavor that complements the other ingredients.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Try using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives made from cashews or almonds. These can work well while maintaining a similar creamy texture and taste.

Cheese Ball That Combines Cranberry, Pecan, and Holiday Cheer

• Whip Up Festive Flavor: Bursting with seasonal ingredients like cranberries and pecans, this cheese ball delivers a delightful sweet and savory combination that instantly elevates any holiday gathering.
• Effortlessly Impress Guests: Requiring minimal culinary skills, this recipe allows even novice cooks to create a stunning appetizer that looks professionally prepared and tastes incredible.
• Prep Ahead with Ease: Perfect for busy hosts, this make-ahead dish can be prepared well in advance, letting you focus on other party details while having a delicious starter ready to serve.
• Customize Your Presentation: Versatile serving options like rolling in extra pecans or powdered sugar allow you to personalize the cheese ball's appearance, making it a flexible and creative party treat.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Ingredients

• Cream Cheese: Soft and creamy base for the cheese ball.
• Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tangy fruit pieces for flavor.
• Pecans: Crunchy nut for texture and nutty taste.

• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds depth to the mixture.
• Sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the other ingredients.

• Crackers, Sliced Bread, Apple Slices: Ideal serving options for the cheese ball.
• Chopped Pecans, Powdered Sugar: Optional coatings for a festive presentation.

Rolling a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball for the Holidays

Step 1: Blend Creamy Mixture

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese with dried cranberries, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, sugar, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Use a sturdy spatula or electric mixer to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients until they create a smooth, well-integrated blend.

Step 2: Craft Delightful Sphere

Using clean hands or a spatula, gently mold the mixture into a perfectly rounded ball. Apply light, even pressure to ensure a compact and symmetrical shape that holds together nicely.

Step 3: Chill and Develop Flavors

Carefully wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, creating a tight seal. Place in the refrigerator to rest and allow flavors to meld. Let it chill for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight is ideal for maximum taste development.

Step 4: Prepare Elegant Presentation

• Crisp crackers
• Sliced artisan bread
• Fresh apple slices
• Pretzel sticks
• Vegetable crudités

Invite guests to scoop and spread the creamy mixture, creating a delightful and interactive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers.

Cheese Ball Tips That Shine with Cranberry Pecan Crunch

• Soften Cream Cheese Properly: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending.
• Chop Nuts Uniformly: Use a sharp knife to finely chop pecans for even distribution and better texture throughout the cheese ball.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a pinch of orange zest or a splash of vanilla extract to elevate the overall taste profile and complement the cranberry and pecan combination.
• Control Sweetness Levels: Adjust sugar quantity based on personal preference or dietary needs, using alternatives like honey or maple syrup for a more nuanced sweetness.
• Prepare Ahead Strategically: Make the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance, allowing flavors to meld and reducing last-minute holiday preparation stress.

Preserve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tasty and Firm

• Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it sealed to prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavor. Do not microwave, as this will change the texture.
• If the cheese ball seems dry after storage, gently fold in a tablespoon of softened cream cheese to restore moisture and creamy consistency.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Serving Matches

• Pair Crunchy Crackers: Select crisp butter crackers or whole wheat options that provide a satisfying snap and neutral base for the cheese ball's sweet-tangy flavor.
• Enhance with Wine: Choose a light-bodied white wine like Riesling or Moscato, which complement the cranberry's tartness and cheese's creamy texture.
• Match Fresh Fruits: Slice crisp green apples or pears to serve alongside the cheese ball, offering a refreshing contrast and highlighting the pecan's nutty undertones.
• Boost with Sparkling Beverage: Add a sparkling apple cider or prosecco to elevate the appetizer's festive feel and cleanse the palate between bites.

Cranberry Cheese Ball Appetizer Ideas

• Gluten-Free Cheese Ball: Replace regular crackers with gluten-free crackers or rice crackers. Use certified gluten-free Parmesan cheese to ensure dietary compliance.
• Low-Sugar Version: Swap sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. Reduce dried cranberries and use unsweetened dried fruit for lower sugar content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese made from almonds or cashews. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a similar cheesy flavor.
• Herb-Infused Cheese Ball: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives to enhance the flavor profile. Mix finely chopped herbs directly into the cheese mixture for a savory upgrade.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball blends creamy cream cheese with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans for a delightful holiday appetizer. Elegant party guests will adore this quick, simple spread that brings sophisticated flavor to winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Sweet Ingredient:

• 1/4 cup sugar

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly blend softened cream cheese with finely chopped dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grated Parmesan, a hint of sugar, and warm cinnamon in a spacious mixing vessel until the ingredients meld seamlessly.
2. Carefully mold the fragrant mixture into a compact, symmetrical sphere using clean hands or a flexible spatula, ensuring an even texture and smooth exterior.
3. Encase the delicate cheese formation in transparent plastic wrap, securing tightly to preserve its elegant shape and prevent moisture absorption.
4. Refrigerate the wrapped delicacy for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and the texture to firm and develop a rich, cohesive character.
5. Before serving, unwrap the chilled cheese ball and enhance its presentation by gently rolling the surface in additional chopped pecans or dusting with a light veil of powdered sugar for a festive, elegant appearance.
6. Present the aromatic cheese creation alongside crisp crackers, rustic bread slices, or thinly cut apple wedges, inviting guests to indulge in this sophisticated holiday appetizer.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smooth blending and easier mixing.
• Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cheese ball.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
• Customize the cheese ball by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg