Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided; 1 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted (optional); 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped; ½ tsp garlic powder

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Introduction

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and nutty, it combines sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans for a delightful bite. Serve it with crackers or fresh veggies for an easy crowd-pleaser.

A large round cheese ball sits in the center of a white plate with a subtle textured design. The cheese ball has three layers: a white creamy cheese core visible from a bite taken on one side, a thick outer coating made of chopped pecans and dried cranberries in deep red and brown colors with small green herb pieces mixed in. Several light brown square crackers with dark specks are scattered around the plate, some with small bits of cheese and nuts on them. A metal knife with a dollop of the cheese ball mixture lies on the plate alongside the cheese ball. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
1 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted (optional)
¼ cup chives or green onions, chopped
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Step 1: To toast pecans, preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread chopped pecans on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes or until aromatic. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, half of the toasted pecans, half of the chopped dried cranberries, chives or green onions, and garlic powder until well combined.
Step 3: Place the mixture in the center of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Wrap completely and shape it into a ball. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Step 4: Just before serving, mix the remaining pecans, dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of chives on a flat surface or cutting board. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in this cranberry-pecan mixture to coat.
Step 5: Serve with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, carrots, or celery.

Tips & Variations

For a milder onion flavor, substitute green onions with fresh finely chopped parsley or dill.
Try adding a splash of maple syrup or honey to the cheese mixture for a touch of sweetness.
If pecans are not available, walnuts or almonds can be used as a crunchy alternative.
Toast the cranberries briefly in a dry skillet to intensify their flavor before mixing them in.

Storage

Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If coated in the cranberry-pecan mixture, place in an airtight container to keep nuts crisp. Before serving leftovers, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes to soften for easier spreading.

How to Serve

A round cheese ball covered with nuts and dried cranberries sits on a white plate, surrounded by two rows of round, light brown crackers. The cheese ball's inside is creamy white, visible where a scoop has been taken out with a gold-colored spreading knife held by a woman's hand. The texture of the cheese is smooth and soft, contrasting with the rough, crunchy nuts and cranberries coating the outside. The white marbled surface underneath adds brightness to the scene. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve, then roll it in the cranberry-pecan mixture just before presenting.

What can I serve with the cheese ball?

The cheese ball pairs well with assorted crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery for a variety of textures and flavors.