This Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball is the ultimate party pleaser! With its creamy base, sweet bursts of cranberry, nutty crunch, and a touch of warm cinnamon, it’s a festive favorite that comes together quickly and disappears just as fast. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering, this cheese ball is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: extra chopped pecans or powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, Parmesan, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Form the Ball: Shape the mixture into a round ball using your hands or a spatula, pressing gently to keep its shape.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and firm up.
- Roll and Garnish: Before serving, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped pecans or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables and serve immediately.
Variation
- Savory Herb Twist
For a more savory and aromatic version, skip the sugar and cinnamon and add finely chopped fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or thyme. This creates a more sophisticated flavor that pairs beautifully with artisan crackers or crusty bread. - Spicy Kick
Mix in a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to balance the sweetness of the cranberries with a subtle heat. This version adds a surprising and addictive contrast that spice lovers will enjoy. - Nut-Free Option
If you’re serving guests with nut allergies, simply omit the pecans and use finely crushed pretzels, sunflower seeds, or even crispy fried onions for texture and crunch. It keeps the festive flair without the risk.
Cooking Notes
- Soften the Cream Cheese Properly
Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature before mixing—this ensures a smooth, easy-to-blend texture without lumps. If you’re short on time, microwave it for 10–15 seconds. - Mixing Tip
Use a rubber spatula or a hand mixer for blending to ensure everything is evenly combined. A spatula helps you scrape down the sides of the bowl to avoid any pockets of unmixed ingredients. - Chilling Is Key
Don’t skip the chilling step! It not only firms up the cheese ball, making it easier to shape and serve, but it also allows the flavors to meld beautifully—especially the cinnamon and cranberries.
Serving Suggestions
- Cracker Variety Platter
Offer a variety of crackers multi-grain, butter, seeded, or gluten-free—to give your guests different textures and flavors that complement the cheese ball in unique ways. - Add Fresh Garnishes
Place the cheese ball on a festive platter with rosemary sprigs, fresh cranberries, or orange slices. It instantly elevates the presentation and adds seasonal charm.
Tips
- Make It Ahead
This cheese ball can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly wrapped in plastic. Making it ahead helps the flavors deepen and frees up time on the day of your event. - Double It for a Crowd
Hosting a big group? Simply double the recipe and form two smaller cheese balls. It’s easier for guests to access, and you can even customize each one with different toppings. - Roll Just Before Serving
If you’re using extra pecans or powdered sugar for the coating, wait to roll the cheese ball until just before serving. This keeps the coating fresh, crunchy, and visually appealing no soggy nuts or clumped sugar.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (includes chilling time)
Nutritional Information (Per serving – based on 10 servings)
- Calories: 170
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 120mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. You can make the cheese ball up to 3 days ahead just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. - Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the cream cheese may change once thawed. For the best taste and consistency, stick to refrigerating and enjoy within a few days. - What can I serve with this cheese ball besides crackers?
Plenty! Try sliced baguette, pretzel crisps, celery sticks, apple slices, or bell pepper strips. The combination of creamy, sweet, and savory works with a variety of dippers. - Can I use flavored cream cheese?
Absolutely! Flavored cream cheeses like honey pecan, chive, or garlic can be used to add a unique twist—just be mindful of how the added flavor will interact with the cranberries and cinnamon.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a festive and flavorful appetizer, this Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball delivers every time. It’s creamy, crowd-pleasing, and wonderfully easy to make ahead. With its balance of sweet cranberries, nutty pecans, and warm cinnamon, it’s sure to become a new seasonal favorite. Plate it with crackers, pour a festive drink, and watch it disappear in minutes!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cheese ball (serves about 8–10) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball is the ultimate party pleaser! With its creamy base, sweet bursts of cranberry, nutty crunch, and a touch of warm cinnamon, it’s a festive favorite that comes together quickly and disappears just as fast. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any cozy gathering, this cheese ball is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: extra chopped pecans or powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, Parmesan, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Form the Ball: Shape the mixture into a round ball using your hands or a spatula, pressing gently to keep its shape.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and firm up.
- Roll and Garnish: Before serving, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped pecans or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a savory twist, add a dash of garlic powder or finely chopped green onions.
- Want to make it ahead? This cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge.
- For a nut-free version, swap the pecans with sunflower seeds or leave them out entirely.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1/10 of cheese ball
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cheese ball, cranberry pecan, party dip, no-bake