Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature; 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded; ½ cup (65 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped; ½ cup (54 g) pecans, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; ½ cup (65 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped; ½ cup (54 g) pecans, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped; Crackers

If you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as easy as it is delicious, you have to try this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe. I absolutely love how this cheese ball comes together with creamy, tangy cheese, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans — it’s a perfect blend of textures and flavors that everyone will be asking for seconds. Whether you’re prepping for a holiday party or a casual get-together, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to keep in your back pocket.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make: You don’t need fancy techniques or dozens of ingredients to wow your guests with this cheese ball.
Perfect Balance: Sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans complement creamy cheeses for a harmony of flavors.
Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and chill, so it’s stress-free on party day!
Versatile Serving: Goes great with a variety of crackers, making it ideal for any occasion.

A round cheese ball covered with chopped nuts and dried cranberries sits on a wooden board. It has a creamy white inside mixed with bits of nuts and dried fruits visible both on the ball and on a cracker placed in front. The crackers are light brown with small holes and a slightly rough texture, stacked in sets nearby. A wooden spreader with a smooth texture lies next to the crackers. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball appetizer, holiday cheese ball recipe, easy cheese ball for parties, festive cheese ball ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays an important role—from the cream cheese creating that silky base, to the white cheddar adding a subtle sharpness, while the cranberries and pecans bring bursts of sweetness and crunch. I always recommend using good-quality dried cranberries and fresh pecans for the best flavor.

Flat lay of two rectangular blocks of creamy white cream cheese, a small pile of shredded white cheddar cheese, a small white bowl filled with bright red dried cranberries, a small white bowl of whole pecan halves and pieces, a small white bowl containing finely chopped fresh green chives, and a neat stack of golden brown round crackers arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball appetizer, holiday cheese ball recipe, easy cheese ball for parties, festive cheese ball ideas

Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
White Cheddar Cheese: Shredded, so it blends easily—don’t skip the cheddar, it adds a nice tangy bite.
Dried Cranberries: Roughly chopped for even distribution; I like to reserve some for rolling on the outside for color and texture.
Pecans: Finely chopped, both for mixing in and coating the ball—fresh and not too oily is best.
Fresh Chives: Chopped; they add a mild, oniony brightness that lifts the flavors.
Crackers: Your favorite variety for serving; I usually go with buttery or multigrain crackers for contrast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe depending on the season or my mood. It’s so easy to tweak the flavors or textures to make it your own!

Savory Swap: Once I tried adding a bit of crumbled bacon to the mix, and it gave the cheese ball a smoky punch my family couldn’t get enough of.
Nut Alternatives: Try walnuts or almonds if pecans aren’t your favorite; each gives a unique crunch.
Herb Twist: Sometimes I add a splash of fresh rosemary or thyme in place of some chives for an earthier flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeño to the cheese mixture.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Creamy Base

Start by placing your softened cream cheese and shredded white cheddar into a large mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer on medium speed, beat until smooth. Then toss in half of your dried cranberries, pecans, and chives—this is where your sweet and crunchy surprises start blending beautifully into that creamy base. Make sure to scrape the bowl sides occasionally so everything combines evenly. You’ll notice the mixture thickens nicely and is easy to shape, which is exactly what you want.

Step 2: Shape and Chill

Once the mixture is well combined, grease your hands lightly (trust me on this—it keeps things less sticky) and form the mixture into a firm ball. Set a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter beforehand, then place the cheese ball in the center and wrap it tightly to seal. Pop it into the fridge for at least one hour. This chilling step is crucial—it helps the cheese firm up so it’s easier to roll and slice later on.

Step 3: Coat with Cranberries, Pecans, and Chives

After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and place it onto a plate with the remaining chopped cranberries, pecans, and chives mixed together. Roll the cheese ball gently in the mixture until it’s fully coated, pressing lightly to help the toppings stick. This step adds a festive pop of color and texture that really transforms the presentation—and your guests will love it.

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Let your beautifully coated cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This little rest softens the cheese just enough to make spreading on crackers extra easy and enjoyable. Serve alongside your favorite crackers, and watch it disappear faster than you can say “pass the cheese ball!”

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Pro Tips for Making Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Room Temperature Cheese: Always let your cream cheese soften at room temp to avoid lumps and make mixing easier.
Chill Time Is Key: Don’t rush the chill — it helps the cheese ball hold its shape and makes rolling on toppings simpler.
Grease Your Hands: Lightly oiling your hands prevents the sticky cheese mixture from clinging to your fingers during shaping.
Even Coating: Press toppings firmly but gently to ensure they stick well without squishing the cheese ball.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme around the cheese ball for a festive touch—especially around the holidays. A few extra whole pecans or a handful of fresh cranberries scattered around the serving plate adds color and flair. These small details make it feel extra special and inviting.

Side Dishes

Pair the cranberry pecan cheese ball with an assortment of crackers—multigrain, buttery water crackers, or even crostini work wonderfully. I also like to serve it with some sliced apples and pears; the fresh fruit contrasts beautifully with the rich cheese.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I sometimes mold the cheese mixture into a festive shape—like a small pumpkin for fall or a tree for winter—and then roll the toppings on. You can also serve it in a hollowed-out mini pumpkin or decorative bowl to amp up the presentation for special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. I recommend placing the wrapped cheese ball in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheese ball successfully by wrapping it twice in plastic wrap and then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. Just keep in mind that texture can change slightly and the pecans may soften. Freeze for up to 2 months for the best quality.

Reheating

When ready to serve after freezing, thaw overnight in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving so it softens up again nicely. This step really helps restore its creamy texture and makes spreading a breeze.

FAQs

Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap the cream cheese and cheddar for your favorite vegan alternatives. Many plant-based cream cheeses blend smoothly and taste great, and nut-based “cheddar” shreds work well too. You might want to toast the pecans lightly for extra flavor.
How far in advance can I prepare this cheese ball?

You can easily prepare it a day or two ahead. Just keep it chilled in the fridge, wrapped tightly. It saves so much time on the day of your event and allows flavors to meld beautifully.
What are good serving ideas besides crackers?

Try serving with sliced fresh fruits like apples or pears, or with crunchy vegetable sticks like celery and bell peppers. It’s also delicious on crostini or even as a sandwich spread for mini sliders.
Can I make smaller or larger batches?

Yes! This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe easily scales up or down. Just adjust your ingredients proportionally. For smaller gatherings, halving the recipe works perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe has become a beloved classic in my home, especially around the holidays. I remember the first time I served it—it disappeared so fast, I barely got a taste! It’s just the right mix of creamy, sweet, and crunchy, and it’s so easy to throw together that it quickly became my go-to appetizer for any occasion. I really encourage you to try it out and see for yourself—you’ll enjoy the compliments almost as much as the flavors. Trust me, this one’s a keeper!