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; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted; 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted; 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

There’s something about the combination of tart cranberries and crunchy pecans that just sings in this classic Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe. It’s quick to whip up, beautifully festive, and perfect for sharing with friends or family anytime you want an impressive, yet effortless appetizer.

The image shows a round cheese ball with a creamy white inside mixed with small bits of dark dried fruit and herbs. The outside is covered in a thick layer of chopped walnuts, bright red dried cranberries, and green herbs scattered all around, giving a textured and colorful look. The cheese ball sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by a circle of golden round crackers. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is one of those appetizers that never fails to win compliments whenever I bring it out. It’s not fussy but feels special, and the flavors are just so well balanced – tangy, creamy, aromatic, and just the right amount of crunch.

Simple preparation: You don’t need fancy tools or hours in the kitchen to make it taste amazing.
Perfect texture combo: Smooth cream cheese meets sharp cheddar with bits of pecans and cranberries for exciting bites.
Great for entertaining: It doubles as a conversation starter and an easy dish to share during holidays or parties.
Customizable: You can easily tweak it with your favorite add-ins or garnish styles to keep it fresh every time.

A round cheese ball sits in the center, covered with a mix of chopped pecans, dried red cranberries, and green chives, creating a textured and colorful top layer. The cheese ball has a creamy white base layer visible between the toppings. Surrounding the cheese ball is a neat circle of round, golden crackers with light brown edges, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe plays a vital role, blending to create that magic balance between creamy, sweet, and crunchy. Plus, shopping for fresh, quality components makes all the difference.

Flat lay of fresh whole pecans, chopped toasted pecans in a small white ceramic bowl, a block of smooth cream cheese, shredded white sharp cheddar cheese in a small white bowl, dried cranberries in a small white bowl, fresh chopped chives in a small white bowl, a few whole garlic cloves next to a small white bowl containing garlic powder, all arranged symmetrically 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

Cream cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together smoothly – always choose full-fat for richness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy depth and slight bite to contrast the cream cheese’s mildness.
Dried cranberries: Their sweet-tart punch is essential for brightness in each bite; chopping them helps distribute flavor evenly.
Fisher’s Nuts pecans: Toasted pecans bring warmth and crunch—toast them carefully to unlock aroma without burning.
Chives or green onions: Fresh herbs give a subtle sharpness and color pop; I often use chives for their delicate onion flavor.
Garlic powder: A gentle hint of savory that enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.

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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.

Make It Your Way

This recipe is a blank canvas for your tastes! I love playing around with different nuts or swapping in dried cherries instead of cranberries for a twist. Feel free to tailor it so it suits your party or family’s favorites.

Variation: One time I added finely chopped fresh rosemary for a woodsy note, which really elevated the flavor for a holiday gathering.
Dietary swaps: For a dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese and skip the cheddar—adding more dried fruit keeps it flavorful.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika can add warmth and surprise if you need a little heat.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Step 1: Toast Your Pecans Gently

I find toasting the pecans to be essential—it really unlocks their flavor and adds that toasty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy cheese. Preheat your oven to 375°F, spread the chopped pecans on a baking tray, and bake for just around 5 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. Once you smell that nutty aroma, pull them out and let them cool while you tackle the rest.

Step 2: Mix Your Cheeses and Flavorings

In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, half of your toasted pecans, half of the chopped dried cranberries, the chopped chives or green onions, and the garlic powder. I use a hand mixer here because it quickly blends everything smooth but still chunky enough for texture. This is where your cheese ball starts coming together—make sure everything feels well incorporated and evenly mixed.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Place the mixture in the center of a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper, then pull the edges up and around as you roll it into a ball shape with your hands. It helps to do this gently but firmly so the ball holds together well. Pop it into the fridge to chill for at least an hour—this step is key to firming up the flavor and texture.

Step 4: Coat with Cranberries, Pecans & Chives

Right before serving, mix together the remaining dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and finely chopped chives on a flat surface. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it lightly in this cranberry-pecan mixture to create a festive and flavorful coating. It looks beautiful and adds that extra crunch and color that people love.

Step 5: Serve with Your Favorite Dippers

Set your cheese ball on a pretty plate surrounded by crackers, pita chips, pretzels, carrots, or celery sticks. I always try to mix crunchy and fresh dippers because it complements the creamy, nutty cheese ball perfectly.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe multiple times, a few simple tips really helped me get that perfect texture and flavor every time.

Toast Pecans Carefully: Don’t walk away while they’re baking—pecans go from toasted to burnt quickly, and burnt nuts will throw off the flavor.
Use Full-Fat Cheese: Using full-fat cream cheese and sharp cheddar makes a smoother, richer cheese ball than low-fat options.
Chill Long Enough: Letting the cheese ball chill for at least an hour helps firm it up so it holds its shape and melds the flavors beautifully.
Roll in Coating Just Before Serving: Doing the cranberry-pecan-chive roll last keeps it fresh and crunchy instead of soggy.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry pecan cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

When I serve this cheese ball, I love to sprinkle on a few extra chopped pecans and fresh chives on top for a bright, inviting look. Sometimes I add a few whole dried cranberries for a festive pop of color. It’s simple but elevates the presentation so nicely.

Side Dishes

I usually pair it with a mix of crunchy dippers like multigrain crackers and pita chips, plus some fresh veggies—carrots, celery, and cucumber slices—for a refreshing bite alongside the rich cheese. It makes a well-rounded spread.

Creative Ways to Present

One of my favorite presentation ideas is placing the cheese ball on a wooden cutting board surrounded by seasonal fruits like apple slices or grapes. It turns a simple appetizer into a charming centerpiece for holiday parties and special occasions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the fridge. That keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors. It usually stays great for up to 4 days.

Freezing

While I haven’t personally frozen this recipe, cheese balls generally freeze okay if tightly wrapped. Just be aware the texture might loosen a bit. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.

Reheating

This is one situation where you want to keep it chilled. Instead of reheating, I recommend serving cold or at room temperature—warming can change the texture and melt the cheese ball, which isn’t quite the same experience.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! I recommend making it up to a day ahead, chilling it overnight in the fridge. This actually enhances the flavors and makes shaping easier.

What can I serve with the cheese ball?

Great choices include crackers, pita chips, pretzels, and fresh veggie sticks like carrots or celery. I love having a mix of crispy and fresh dippers for variety.

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Definitely! Walnuts or almonds work well too. Just be sure to toast them lightly to bring out their flavor.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as you choose gluten-free dippers like certain crackers or veggies. Always check labels to be sure.

Final Thoughts

I truly enjoy making this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe because it’s such a crowd-pleaser and feels like a little festive gift wrapped in every bite. Whether you’re preparing snacks for game day, holiday parties, or a casual get-together, it always brings smiles to the table. I hope you have as much fun making it as I do sharing it with friends!