Description
This cranberry pecan cheese ball is the ultimate holiday appetizer. A creamy mix of cream cheese and sharp cheddar is packed with dried cranberries, toasted pecans, green onions, and garlic for the perfect sweet and savory party bite. Easy to make ahead and always a crowd favorite, this festive cheese ball recipe pairs beautifully with crackers or fruit. Great for Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any gathering.
Ingredients
225g cream cheese
100g sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
80g dried cranberries, chopped and divided
80g pecans, toasted and chopped, divided
2 green onions, finely sliced
0.5 tsp garlic powder
Pinch of salt
1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
1. Beat the softened cream cheese in a large bowl until fluffy.
2. Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Fold in green onions, half of the cranberries, and half of the pecans. Stir gently to combine.
4. Shape the mixture into a ball using plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour or overnight.
5. Before serving, roll the cheese ball in the remaining cranberries and pecans. Press them in gently to coat.
6. Place on a serving dish and serve with crackers, fruit slices, or crostini.
Notes
This cheese ball can be made a day in advance for easy entertaining.
Toasting the pecans brings out a deeper flavor and better crunch.
Rehydrate cranberries in orange juice for a citrus twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 cheese ball
- Calories: 195
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg