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

That first sweet-tart bite of a cranberry paired with crunchy pecans just hits differently, doesn’t it? I always reach for this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe when I’m hosting because it’s simple, festive, and instantly gets people’s attention on the appetizer table.

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

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers, and I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same once you try it. It’s one of those no-fuss snacks that feels fancy without all the effort.

Perfect flavor combo: The tartness of cranberries paired with rich, creamy cheese and toasted pecans creates a harmony that’s irresistible.
Easy prep: You don’t need any complex steps or special tools—just a bowl, some plastic wrap, and a little patience while it chills.
Customizable: You can tweak the cheeses or nuts, add fresh herbs, or adjust the garlic to suit your taste.
Great for entertaining: This cheese ball looks gorgeous on a platter and pairs perfectly with all kinds of crackers and veggies.

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

Choosing the right ingredients is what makes this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe shine. The combination of creamy cheeses, toasted nuts, and bright berries balances texture and flavor beautifully. Here’s why each part matters:

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: This is your creamy base that ties everything together; softened cream cheese blends smoothly and adds a tangy richness.
White Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It brings a little bite and sharpness that cuts through the cream cheese’s mellow flavor.
Dried Cranberries (chopped): Their sweet-tart pop creates the perfect contrast; chopping them helps distribute flavor evenly without big chewy chunks.
Pecans (chopped and toasted): Toasting really amps up their nuttiness and crunch — don’t skip this step, it makes all the difference!
Chives or Green Onions: These fresh herbs add a subtle onion-y brightness that keeps the cheese ball from feeling heavy.
Garlic Powder: Just a hint of garlic gives depth without overpowering the other flavors.

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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

I often switch up this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe by trying different nuts or cheeses depending on what I have on hand—and honestly, that’s part of the fun. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

Variation: I’ve swapped pecans for walnuts or almonds, which give great texture and are just as tasty.
Seasonal Twist: Adding a sprinkle of fresh rosemary or thyme in the cheese mix works wonders, especially around the holidays.
Dietary Modifications: For a lighter version, try reduced-fat cream cheese or even some crumbled feta instead of cheddar.

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

Step 1: Toast Those Pecans to Perfection

Toasting your pecans is a game-changer. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking tray, and pop them in for about 5 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen smells nutty and warm. Keep an eye on them—they can burn quickly! Once toasted, set half aside for mixing into the batter and the rest for rolling the cheese ball later.

Step 2: Blend the Cheeses and Flavors

Use a large bowl and combine the cream cheese and shredded white sharp cheddar together. I like to beat them until super smooth — it helps everything mesh nicely. Then toss in half of your toasted pecans, half the chopped dried cranberries, the chopped chives or green onions, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. This step is key for flavor balance, so take your time!

Step 3: Shape and Chill Your Cheese Ball

Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and spoon the mixture onto its center. Cover it completely with the wrap and gently roll it into a ball shape with your hands. The plastic wrap makes it super easy to mold without a mess. Pop it into the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors meld and it firms up nicely.

Step 4: Coat and Get Ready to Impress

Just before serving, mix the remaining dried cranberries, remaining toasted pecans, and extra chives on a flat surface or cutting board. Unwrap your chilled cheese ball and roll it over the cranberry-pecan mixture so it’s fully coated. This step makes it look stunning and adds a wonderful texture contrast. Then, serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or even fresh veggie sticks like carrots or celery.

Top Tip

After years of making this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe, I’ve gathered a few small tips that make all the difference. These simple tricks help you get it just right every time.

Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before mixing; it makes blending with cheddar so much easier and smoother.
Don’t Skip Toasting: Toasting your pecans really enhances the flavor and crunch, trust me—it’s worth the extra five minutes.
Chop Cranberries Finely: This helps spread the tartness throughout the cheese ball instead of getting big chewy surprises.
Chill Long Enough: At least one hour in the fridge is ideal to let the cheese firm up and flavors combine; shorter chill times can make it harder to shape.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry pecan cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually add a little extra chopped chives and a sprinkle of whole pecans on top for that “look at me” factor. Sometimes I throw on a few fresh cranberries just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This cheese ball pairs beautifully with an assortment of crackers, toasted pita triangles, or crunchy pretzels. I also love setting out sliced veggies like cucumbers, celery sticks, and colorful bell peppers for a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress at your next gathering? Arrange the cheese ball on a wooden board garnished with whole pecans, sprigs of fresh rosemary, and a drizzle of honey on the side. This makes it look elegant and invites guests to customize their bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once you’re done enjoying the cheese ball, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap or keep it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 5 days, which means you can enjoy little bites well after your party’s over.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheese ball a couple times with good results. Wrap it tightly in plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn, and it can last up to 2 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.

Reheating

This recipe is really best served cold, but if you want to soften it slightly, just leave it out at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Avoid heating it in the microwave, as the texture can break down.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! This cheese ball actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight in the fridge because the flavors really meld together. Just be sure to wrap it tightly to avoid drying out.

What are good dippers for this cheese ball?

I like pairing mine with a variety of crackers like water crackers, multigrain crisps, or even pita chips. Veggie sticks—especially carrots and celery—also add a pleasant crunch and freshness that balances the cheese ball.

Can I substitute other nuts for pecans?

Yes! Walnuts, almonds, or even cashews work well. Just be sure to toast them lightly to bring out their natural oils and flavor before mixing them into the cheese ball.

How long will the cheese ball keep in the fridge?

Properly wrapped, your cheese ball will stay fresh in the fridge for about 5 days. Make sure to keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent odor absorption.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe feels like a little celebration every time I make it. It brings together some of my favorite holiday flavors but is easy enough for any time of the year. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s one of those recipes that’s sure to become a staple in your entertaining arsenal.