Description
Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing appetizer that screams holiday cheer or elegant snacking? This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball delivers on flavor, texture, and presentation. It’s creamy, savory, sweet, and crunchy — everything you want in an easy recipe. Perfect for quick breakfast spreads, party trays, or any list of delicious appetizer food ideas. Whether you need an easy dinner starter or healthy snack board centerpiece, this recipe is a go-to!
Ingredients
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted and divided
1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth.
2. Add shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
3. Fold in half of the chopped cranberries, half of the pecans, and all of the chopped chives.
4. Shape the mixture into a round ball using clean hands or a spatula.
5. If the cheese is too soft, refrigerate for 20 minutes before shaping.
6. On a plate, combine remaining cranberries and pecans. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture to coat all sides.
7. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Serve with crackers, veggies, or baguette slices.
Notes
For best results, toast your pecans before using to enhance their flavor.
Make it ahead! It keeps perfectly in the fridge for 3–4 days.
Add a festive touch by mixing in chopped rosemary or thyme for added holiday flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 cheese ball
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry cheese ball, party appetizer, holiday recipe, easy cheese appetizer