Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a creamy and flavorful appetizer combining sharp cheddar cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or party platters, it’s easy to make ahead and pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1¾ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅜ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ⅜ cup pecans, finely chopped
Coating
- ⅜ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ⅜ cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, half of the chopped green onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat everything together until well combined.
- Shape the cheese ball: Use a silicone spatula to scrape the mixture from the bowl sides and shape it into a ball. If the mixture is sticky, grease your hands with butter or oil to make shaping easier.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Spread this mixture on a plate and roll the cheese ball in it until fully coated with the cranberry and pecan mixture.
- Chill & serve: Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften. Serve on a platter surrounded by crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- For easier shaping, chill the cheese mixture briefly before forming the ball if it feels too soft.
- Use chopped pecans and cranberries for a finer texture in the coating.
- This cheese ball can be made up to 5 days in advance for convenient entertaining.
- Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks to keep it gluten-free if desired.
- Adjust the garlic powder and brown sugar to taste for a more or less savory-sweet balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball, holiday appetizer, party snack, cream cheese appetizer, no bake cheese ball
