A Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball is the ultimate party appetizer—creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and covered in crunchy, nutty goodness. This festive treat brings a burst of color and flavor to your holiday spread or any special gathering, paired perfectly with crackers, crostini, or fresh veggies.
Why You’ll Love Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
This cheeseball combines tangy cream cheese, sweet dried cranberries, sharp cheddar, and crunchy pecans in a delightfully spreadable snack. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes every bite irresistible, while the simple preparation means you can whip it up ahead of time for stress-free entertaining. Whether served at a holiday gathering, family get-together, or afternoon snack, it’s always a crowd-pleaser, and leftovers make a delicious addition to sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely diced green onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, parsley, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well combined. Stir in half the pecans.
- Form mixture into a ball. Roll in the remaining pecans to coat evenly.
- Wrap in plastic and chill for at least 1 hour to firm.
- Serve with crackers, crostini, or fresh vegetables.
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
Serving your Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary textures and flavors. Arrange the cheeseball on a decorative platter surrounded by a variety of crunchy crackers—such as water crackers, multigrain crisps, or buttery biscuits—for guests to spread the creamy mixture on. Fresh vegetable sticks like celery, cucumber, bell peppers, and carrot sticks add a crisp, refreshing contrast that balances the rich cheese perfectly.
For a well-rounded appetizer spread, include other flavorful dishes that complement the festive theme. Try pairing it alongside comforting sides like Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes, creamy Baked Mac and Cheese, or the wholesome Slow Cooker Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice. Garnish the cheeseball with fresh parsley or additional chopped pecans to visually enhance its festive appeal.
This versatile appetizer suits holiday parties, potlucks, game day snacks, or even casual family gatherings. Consider placing small spreader knives nearby to make self-serving easier for guests, and keep some extra crackers and veggies on hand for refills.
How to Store Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
Proper storage helps maintain the freshness, flavor, and texture of your Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball. Wrap the cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other refrigerator odors. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, making it an excellent make-ahead option for busy holiday schedules.
If you’d like to prepare the cheeseball further in advance, you can freeze it before rolling it in pecans. To freeze, shape the ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to use, thaw completely overnight in the refrigerator, then roll it in the remaining pecans before serving.
If leftovers become slightly dry or crumbly, soften the mixture with a spoonful of cream cheese and mix well to restore creamy texture. Always check for freshness before serving after storage.
Tips to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
- Soften cream cheese for smooth blending.
- Use chopped toasted pecans for deeper flavor.
- Mix in extra dried fruit for sweetness or swap pecans for walnuts.
- Customize with spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs.
- Make ahead for easy party prep.
Variations
- Swap cranberries with chopped dried apricots or cherries.
- Use different nuts such as almonds or walnuts.
- Add crumbled bacon or blue cheese for a bold twist.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball ahead of time?
Yes, this cheeseball is ideal for make-ahead prep. Chill it thoroughly before serving, or freeze before rolling in nuts and thaw when ready.
Q2: What can I serve with the cheeseball?
Serve with an assortment of crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrots.
Q3: Can I substitute the pecans with other nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios make great alternatives and add different flavor profiles.
Q4: Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or veggie sticks.
Final Thoughts
The Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball is a delicious and visually appealing appetizer that is sure to impress guests at any occasion. Its combination of creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare ahead of time, this recipe takes the stress out of entertaining while providing a crowd-pleasing snack.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, tangy cranberry pecan cheeseball — a festive and easy appetizer for holidays and parties.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, divided
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 2 tbsp finely diced green onion
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
1. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, parsley, green onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix in half of the chopped pecans.
3. Shape into a ball and roll in remaining pecans.
4. Wrap tightly and chill at least 1 hour before serving.
5. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies.
Notes
Make ahead by preparing 1 day in advance.
Store refrigerated for up to 5 days.
Freeze before rolling in nuts for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour chilling
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg