Bring festive cheer to your holiday table with this Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree a creamy, savory, perfectly sweet-and-salty appetizer that looks just as magical as it tastes. With tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, sharp cheddar, and a creamy base, this easy no-cook holiday recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning Christmas tree centerpiece. It’s delightful to serve, fun to shape, and guaranteed to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the cheese blend.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and shape it into a Christmas tree wider at the base, tapered toward the top. Use your hands to gently mold and smooth the surface.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the tree firm up and hold its shape.
- Once chilled, uncover and decorate with fresh parsley to create a leafy garland effect. Add extra cranberries and pecans as ornaments for extra color and crunch.
- Serve with your favorite assortment of crackers, crostini, or sliced bread.
Variation
- Spicy Holiday Tree: Add finely diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick that balances the sweetness of the cranberries. The spice adds depth while keeping the festive flavors intact.
- Herb Lover’s Version: Mix in fresh herbs such as dill, chives, or parsley directly into the cheese mixture for an extra burst of freshness that elevates the savory elements.
- Bacon Twist: Fold in 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon to add smoky richness and extra crunch. The savory bacon pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese and sweet cranberries.
- Nut-Free Option: Swap the pecans with sunflower seeds or simply omit nuts entirely for a smoother, allergy-friendly option without compromising flavor.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to ensure easy mixing and a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Refrigeration time is essential cold cheese holds its shape better, making your tree look neat and sturdy.
- Shape the tree directly on the serving platter to avoid having to transfer it later, which can distort the design.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Charcuterie Board: Surround the cheese ball tree with crackers, grapes, apple slices, veggies, and cured meats for an eye-catching appetizer spread.
- Warm Bread Pairings: Serve with toasted baguette slices or warm pretzel bites the creamy cheese melts slightly on warm bread for an irresistible bite.
- Flavorful Toppings: Drizzle lightly with honey or sprinkle extra chopped herbs on top just before serving to add shine, aroma, and a touch of gourmet flair.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: This recipe can be made up to 24 hours in advance, giving the flavors more time to meld and brightening the cranberries’ sweetness.
- Shaping Help: If the cheese mixture feels too soft, chill it briefly before shaping to make the process easier and cleaner.
- Garnish Creativity: Use mini pretzel sticks as a “tree trunk,” or press edible gold stars or sugared cranberries on top for extra holiday charm.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: (Not specified in original commonly around 5–7 g depending on ingredients)
- Sodium: (Not specified in original varies with cheese but typically moderate to high)
If you’d like, I can calculate estimated exact macros based on the ingredients provided.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese ball tree ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld. Just keep it well wrapped until serving. - Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Freezing isn’t recommended because the texture may become crumbly once thawed. - What crackers go best with this?
Sturdy crackers like wheat, multigrain, or butter round crackers work beautifully with the creamy texture. - How do I keep the shape from softening during a party?
Keep the tree refrigerated until just before serving, and place it on a cold platter if possible.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree is festive, flavorful, and wonderfully simple to make. Bursting with creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory notes, it doubles as a show-stopping holiday centerpiece and a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Make it ahead, decorate it with flair, and enjoy a delicious holiday moment with every bite!
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Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Bring festive cheer to your holiday table with this Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree a creamy, savory, perfectly sweet-and-salty appetizer that looks just as magical as it tastes. With tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, sharp cheddar, and a creamy base, this easy no-cook holiday recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning Christmas tree centerpiece. It’s delightful to serve, fun to shape, and guaranteed to impress your guests!
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the cheese blend.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and shape it into a Christmas tree wider at the base, tapered toward the top. Use your hands to gently mold and smooth the surface.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the tree firm up and hold its shape.
- Once chilled, uncover and decorate with fresh parsley to create a leafy garland effect. Add extra cranberries and pecans as ornaments for extra color and crunch.
- Serve with your favorite assortment of crackers, crostini, or sliced bread.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to ensure easy mixing and a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Refrigeration time is essential cold cheese holds its shape better, making your tree look neat and sturdy.
- Shape the tree directly on the serving platter to avoid having to transfer it later, which can distort the design.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (1/12 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: ~6 g
- Sodium: ~310 mg
- Fat: ~27 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~13 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10–12 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~5–7 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg
Keywords: Christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cranberry pecan cheese ball, Christmas tree cheese ball