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