Description
Creamy, tangy, and packed with crunch, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the ultimate festive appetizer. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday parties, it’s quick to make, easy to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans (plus extra for coating)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- Optional: 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Optional: ¼ tsp chili flakes
- For coating: chopped cranberries, pecans, and parsley
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whip cream cheese until fluffy using a spoon or hand mixer.
- Add cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in chopped cranberries and pecans. Add honey or chili flakes if using.
- Transfer mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball.
- Refrigerate for 60–90 minutes until firm.
- Mix coating ingredients on a plate. Unwrap cheese ball and roll in coating until fully covered, pressing gently to adhere.
- Serve with crackers, fruit slices, or veggies. Optional: drizzle with honey or balsamic glaze before serving.
Notes
Let the cream cheese come to room temperature before mixing for best texture. Roll in toppings just before serving for a fresh, crisp finish. Easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American