This Apple Pecan Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball is the ultimate festive appetizer a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that instantly brings cheer to any holiday table. With the rich smoothness of cream cheese, the sharp bite of cheddar, and the delightful crunch of pecans, this cheese ball delivers texture and taste in every bite. The pops of dried cranberries and fresh apples add brightness and festive flair, making it a true holiday crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or an elegant holiday party, this cheese ball is guaranteed to disappear fast so you might want to make two!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup apples, finely diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
- Graham crackers or sliced apples for serving
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Add the festive mix-ins: Stir in chopped cranberries, diced apples, pecans, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape and chill: Form the mixture into a ball shape using your hands or a plastic wrap mold. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Coat and garnish: Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans for a crunchy outer layer. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve with graham crackers, apple slices, or your favorite dippers.
Variation
- Cranberry Orange Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of orange zest and a dash of cinnamon to give the cheese ball a bright, citrusy lift that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Savory Holiday Blend: For a more savory version, replace the honey with 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard and substitute the apples for finely chopped green onions.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a festive cheese ball with a little heat.
- Nut-Free Option: Skip the pecans and roll the cheese ball in crushed pretzels or toasted sunflower seeds for a satisfying crunch.
Cooking Notes
- Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing this ensures a smooth, creamy texture and easier blending.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the cheese ball to chill for at least 2 hours helps it firm up and enhances the flavors. Overnight chilling works great, too.
- Storage: You can make this cheese ball up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions
- Elegant Holiday Board: Serve the cheese ball as the centerpiece of a festive charcuterie board with crackers, sliced apples, grapes, and nuts.
- Mini Cheese Balls: For party-friendly portions, roll the mixture into smaller balls and insert pretzel sticks for easy single-serve appetizers.
- Breakfast Twist: Spread leftover cheese ball on a toasted bagel or croissant for a sweet-and-savory morning treat.
Tips
- Uniform Dicing: Finely dice the apples and cranberries so that every bite has a balanced mix of flavor and texture.
- Flavor Boost: Use extra-sharp cheddar for a more intense cheesy punch that balances the sweetness of the fruit.
- Presentation: Roll the cheese ball in a mix of chopped pecans and fresh herbs for a more colorful, festive look.
- Serving Temperature: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes before serving for optimal creaminess.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. - Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Absolutely. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. - What can I use instead of pecans?
Walnuts, almonds, or even crushed pretzels make great alternatives for coating or mixing in. - How long can it sit out at a party?
The cheese ball can safely sit out for about 2 hours. After that, refrigerate to keep it fresh and safe to eat.
Conclusion
This Apple Pecan Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball is everything you want in a holiday appetizer easy, elegant, and bursting with flavor. It combines creamy, tangy, sweet, and nutty notes into one festive bite that guests will rave about. Whether you make it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, it’s guaranteed to bring warmth, joy, and holiday cheer to your table.
Print
Apple Pecan Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Pecan Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball is the ultimate festive appetizer a perfect blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors that instantly brings cheer to any holiday table. With the rich smoothness of cream cheese, the sharp bite of cheddar, and the delightful crunch of pecans, this cheese ball delivers texture and taste in every bite. The pops of dried cranberries and fresh apples add brightness and festive flair, making it a true holiday crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup apples, finely diced
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs (like parsley or chives) for garnish
- Graham crackers or sliced apples for serving
Instructions
- Mix the base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and fully blended.
- Add the festive mix-ins: Stir in chopped cranberries, diced apples, pecans, honey, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
- Shape and chill: Form the mixture into a ball shape using your hands or a plastic wrap mold. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Coat and garnish: Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans for a crunchy outer layer. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs for a pop of color and serve with graham crackers, apple slices, or your favorite dippers.
Notes
- Softening Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened before mixing this ensures a smooth, creamy texture and easier blending.
- Chilling Time: Allowing the cheese ball to chill for at least 2 hours helps it firm up and enhances the flavors. Overnight chilling works great, too.
- Storage: You can make this cheese ball up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook / Mix and Chill
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 cheese ball
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: holiday cheese ball, cranberry cheese ball, apple pecan appetizer, festive party dip, holiday appetizer