Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a show-stopping appetizer that delivers flavor, texture, and elegance in every bite. Creamy cheese is blended with savory herbs, crunchy pecans, and sweet-tart cranberries to create a festive and irresistible spread. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or need a quick dish to impress guests, this cheese ball is the perfect solution.

Its gorgeous presentation makes it the centerpiece of any appetizer tray, and it pairs perfectly with crackers, toasted bread, or even fresh fruit. Plus, it comes together in minutes and can be made ahead of time, making entertaining a breeze.

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Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• It has the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors.
• The texture is incredibly satisfying: creamy inside, with a crunchy outer coating.
• It can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until serving.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for holidays, parties, or casual snacking.
• No baking or cooking required—just mix, roll, and chill.

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What Kind of Cheese Should I Use for a Cheese Ball?

Cream cheese is the essential base for any cheese ball because of its smooth, spreadable texture. For added flavor and structure, shredded sharp cheddar is a popular and delicious addition. You can also experiment with other semi-soft cheeses like goat cheese or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor to your liking.

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Ingredients for the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: The rich and creamy base of the cheese ball, providing the perfect texture and tangy flavor.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold, savory kick that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
• Dried Cranberries: These give a chewy texture and sweet-tart flavor that contrast beautifully with the creamy cheese.
• Chopped Pecans: Offer a nutty crunch and toasty flavor that takes this appetizer to the next level.
• Chives or Green Onions: Fresh herbs that bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Salt & Pepper: Just enough seasoning to round out the flavor.

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How To Make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Step 1: Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add in the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Mix-Ins

Stir in half of the dried cranberries, half of the chopped pecans, and the chopped chives or green onions. Fold gently so the ingredients are well distributed without smashing them.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball

Use clean hands or a spatula to shape the cheese mixture into a ball. If it feels too soft, refrigerate it for about 20 minutes before shaping.

Step 4: Coat the Cheese Ball

On a plate, mix the remaining cranberries and pecans. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture until it’s fully coated on all sides.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes and serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced baguette.

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Serving and Storing Your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball serves 8 to 10 people, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, parties, or cozy nights in with friends. Present it on a platter surrounded by a variety of crackers, pretzels, and fresh vegetables for a beautiful and inviting appetizer tray.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop over time, making the cheese ball even tastier the next day. Just bring it to room temperature before serving again for the best texture.

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What to Serve With Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Crackers

Choose a variety of textures and flavors: buttery, multi-grain, or herbed crackers pair beautifully with the cheese ball.

Pretzels

The salty crunch of pretzels adds a satisfying contrast to the creamy texture.

Apple Slices

Thinly sliced apples offer a crisp, slightly sweet bite that complements the tangy and nutty flavors.

Celery Sticks

Fresh and crunchy, celery makes a great low-carb dipping option.

Sliced Baguette

Toasted or fresh, a baguette is a rustic and hearty base for spreading the cheese.

Grapes

Their juicy sweetness is a refreshing pairing with the savory elements of the cheese ball.

Carrot Sticks

A colorful and crunchy option that’s both healthy and satisfying.

Cucumber Rounds

Light and refreshing, cucumbers balance out the richness of the cheese.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the outer coating of cranberries and pecans just before serving for maximum freshness.

Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Yes, cheese balls can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, blue cheese, or Monterey Jack. Just keep the cream cheese as the base to hold everything together.

Can I make this nut-free?
Of course! Simply omit the pecans or replace them with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without the nuts.

How do I keep the cheese ball from sticking to my hands?
Chill the mixture for 20–30 minutes before shaping. You can also lightly grease your hands with a bit of oil to prevent sticking.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the cranberries or try a mix of nuts?
I love hearing how others personalize their recipes. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other make hosting stress-free.

Looking for more party-perfect recipes? Check out my daily updates on Pinterest for endless inspiration from Life With Livia.

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Conclusion

The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is more than just a party snack—it’s a flavor-packed centerpiece that’s easy to make and always impresses. Its creamy, crunchy, and sweet-savory profile hits all the right notes, whether you’re serving it during the holidays or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer for any occasion. Make it once, and it’ll become a repeat favorite on your entertaining menu.

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