Zesty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe for Holiday Magic

Crafting a delightful cranberry pecan cheese ball combines festive flavors with elegant appetizer magic.

Soft cream cheese provides the perfect creamy canvas for this crowd-pleasing starter.

Tart cranberries and crunchy pecans create a remarkable contrast that surprises taste buds.

Elegant yet simple, this appetizer brings sophisticated charm to any gathering.

Chefs appreciate how quickly the ingredients come together for maximum impact.

Holiday tables or casual game nights welcome this delectable spread with open arms.

You’ll love how impressive yet effortless this recipe feels when served.

Why You’ll Want More of Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Craft with Ease: Simple mixing and folding techniques make this recipe approachable for cooks of all skill levels, ensuring anyone can create a stunning appetizer.
• Party-Perfect Presentation: Impressive visual appeal and gourmet flavor profile make this cheese ball an ideal centerpiece for gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations.
• Flavor Explosion: Combining sharp cheeses, sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and aromatic herbs delivers a complex taste experience that delights every palate.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare this cheese ball in advance, refrigerate, and bring to room temperature before serving, reducing last-minute kitchen stress and allowing flavors to develop beautifully.

What You Need for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: A soft and creamy ingredient that provides a smooth foundation for the cheese ball.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and flavorful cheese that adds depth and richness to the mixture.
• Parmesan Cheese: A hard, salty cheese that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Chives, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Salt: These seasonings work together to create a well-balanced and aromatic flavor blend.

• Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Fresh Parsley: These ingredients add texture, sweetness, and a pop of color to the cheese ball, creating a visually appealing and delicious appetizer.

Assembling Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball the Easy Way

Step 1: Blend Creamy Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes smooth and well integrated, creating a rich and creamy foundation for your cheese ball.

Step 2: Season The Cheese Mixture

Add fresh chopped chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to the cheese blend. Stir carefully to ensure all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, infusing each bite with delightful flavor.

Step 3: Fold In First Batch Of Nuts And Fruit

Gently fold in half of the chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Mix delicately to prevent overmixing, which could break down the texture of the nuts and fruit.

Step 4: Shape The Cheese Ball

Place a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap and use the plastic to help shape the mixture into a compact, round ball. Twist the ends of the wrap to secure the shape.

Step 5: Chill And Develop Flavors

Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 30 minutes. This cooling period helps the cheese firm up and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 6: Prepare Exterior Coating

• Chopped pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Freshly chopped parsley

Step 7: Roll And Coat The Cheese Ball

Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap. Carefully roll the ball in the pecan, cranberry, and parsley mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete and even coverage.

Step 8: Present And Serve

Transfer the finished cheese ball to a decorative serving platter. If not serving immediately, cover loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.

Step 9: Bring To Room Temperature

Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to soften slightly and enhances the overall flavor profile.

Step 10: Enjoy With Accompaniments

• Crisp crackers
• Toasted baguette slices
• Fresh vegetable crudités

Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 30 minutes to let the seasonings blend and create a more cohesive taste.
• Gentle Mixing Matters: Fold in nuts and cranberries carefully to maintain the cheese ball's delicate texture and prevent overmixing.
• Room Temperature Trick: Let the cheese ball sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and improve spreadability.
• Customize Coating Creatively: Experiment with different nuts like almonds or walnuts, or swap dried fruits to create unique flavor combinations.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance, storing it wrapped in the refrigerator for convenient entertaining.

Delicious Variations for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Herbed Goat Cheese Ball: Replace cream cheese with tangy goat cheese, swap cheddar for feta, and add fresh thyme and rosemary for an Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwestern Cheese Ball: Substitute parmesan with pepper jack cheese, mix in diced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and roll in crushed tortilla chips for a zesty kick.
• Vegan Nut Cheese Alternative: Use cashew-based cheese, nutritional yeast instead of dairy cheeses, and incorporate roasted sunflower seeds in place of pecans for a plant-based adaptation.
• Low-Carb Keto Cheese Ball: Select full-fat cream cheese, use almonds instead of cranberries, add extra herbs like dill, and serve with cucumber rounds or pork rinds for a carb-conscious option.

What to Pair with Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the rich, creamy cheese ball and cut through its dense texture.
• Serve with Artisan Crackers: Choose rustic, hearty wheat crackers or crisp rosemary-infused flatbreads that provide a sturdy base and enhance the nutty pecan notes.
• Match with Fresh Fruit Plate: Arrange green apple slices, fresh grapes, and pear wedges to balance the savory cheese mixture and add refreshing contrast to the creamy appetizer.
• Enhance with Sparkling Beverage: Pour prosecco or sparkling apple cider to cleanse the palate and add effervescence that elevates the cheese ball's complex flavor profile.

How to Store Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Store the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. 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 flavors. Avoid microwaving, as it can compromise texture and consistency.
• If the cheese ball appears dry after storage, gently press additional chopped pecans and cranberries onto the surface to refresh its appearance and taste.

FAQs for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Fans

• What ingredients can be substituted in this cheese ball recipe?

You can swap cream cheese with mascarpone, use different nuts like almonds or walnuts, and replace dried cranberries with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots.

• How can I make this cheese ball more spicy?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for extra heat and kick.

• Is this cheese ball suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

This recipe contains dairy and nuts, so it’s not ideal for vegans, those with dairy allergies, or nut allergies. Consider alternative recipes for those with dietary limitations.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Festive holiday gatherings sparkle with this cranberry pecan cheese ball, blending creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Guests will devour this irresistible appetizer that promises delightful flavor and elegant presentation for your next celebration.

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Ingredients

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Cheese Base:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt

Coating and Mix-ins:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan, ensuring a smooth, uniform consistency.
2. Incorporate fresh chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
3. Fold in half of the chopped pecans and dried cranberries, gently mixing to integrate without overmixing.
4. Transfer the cheese blend onto a sheet of plastic wrap, using the wrap to shape the mixture into a compact, rounded ball.
5. Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
6. Prepare the exterior coating by combining remaining pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley on a flat surface.
7. Remove cheese ball from refrigerator, unwrap, and roll it in the pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
8. Transfer the finished cheese ball to a serving platter, covering loosely with plastic wrap if not serving immediately.
9. Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.
10. Serve alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy texture.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cheese ball.
• Adjust seasoning by tasting the mixture before forming the ball, as cheese varieties can vary in saltiness.
• Make it gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Rolling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 255
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg