Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe
Introduction
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is an elegant and flavorful appetizer perfect for any gathering. Creamy, tangy, and studded with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Serve with your favorite crackers for a delightful bite every time.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 3/4 cups (175g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup (108g) finely chopped dried cranberries, divided
- 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans, divided
Instructions
- Step 1: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. If you don’t have a stand mixer, mix by hand with a silicone spatula or use a hand mixer, but be prepared for a thick mixture.
- Step 2: Add the shredded cheddar, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the chopped cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat or stir until well combined. Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the bowl sides and bring the mixture together, shaping it into a ball. You can use your hands if needed, as the mixture will be slightly sticky.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the remaining chopped chives, cranberries, and pecans. Spread this coating mixture on a large plate.
- Step 4: Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture until evenly covered on all sides.
- Step 5: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 5 days, to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: When ready to serve, remove from the refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly. Unwrap and place on a serving plate surrounded by crackers, along with a knife for spreading.
Tips & Variations
- For a nut-free version, replace pecans with extra dried cranberries or seeds like pumpkin or sunflower for crunch.
- Use smoked cheddar for a deeper, smoky flavor that adds complexity.
- If you prefer a milder onion flavor, reduce the chives to 1 tablespoon total or substitute with finely minced green onions.
- Make the cheese ball a day ahead to enhance the flavors even more.
Storage
Keep any leftover cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. It’s best enjoyed within the first 5 days for optimal freshness. When ready to serve again, allow it to come to room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften before spreading.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use reduced-fat cream cheese?
While you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, full-fat brick-style cream cheese provides the best texture and flavor for a creamy, firm cheese ball.
How do I prevent the cheese ball from sticking to my hands?
Lightly oiling your hands or using a silicone spatula can help when shaping the cheese ball, as the mixture tends to be a bit sticky.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Appetizer is a delicious and festive party treat made with creamy full-fat cream cheese blended with sharp white cheddar, fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and pecans. Rolled in a crunchy and sweet-tart coating of more cranberries, pecans, and chives, this cheese ball is perfect for spreading on crackers as a flavorful, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Cheese Ball
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 3/4 cups (175g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup (108g) finely chopped dried cranberries, divided
- 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans, divided
Instructions
- Beat the Cream Cheese: Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. If using a hand mixer, be prepared for a thick mixture; alternatively, mix by hand with a silicone spatula.
- Add Ingredients: Add shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon chopped chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries (about 6 tablespoons), and half of the pecans (about 6 tablespoons). Beat or stir until combined. Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides and form the mixture into a ball; hands can be used if sticky.
- Prepare the Coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining chopped chives, dried cranberries, and pecans. Spread the coating mixture evenly on a large plate.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture to fully cover its surface.
- Chill: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 days to allow flavors to meld and the texture to firm.
- Serve: Before serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly. Unwrap and place on a platter with crackers and a spreader knife.
- Store Leftovers: Wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly and keep refrigerated for up to 10 days, best enjoyed within the first 5 days.
Notes
- For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese and sharp white cheddar cheese.
- A stand mixer is preferred for easier mixing, but mixing by hand or with a hand mixer is possible.
- Allow the cheese ball to sit out before serving for easier spreading.
- Can be made up to 5 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Wrap tightly to prevent drying out during refrigeration.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry appetizer, pecan cheese ball, holiday appetizer, party cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer
