Dessert

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

ByCharlotte Montgomery November 17, 2025November 17, 2025

Introduction

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer that combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a crunchy coating. Perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, it’s both easy to make and sure to impress your guests.

The image shows a round cheese ball with three visible layers: the outer layer is mixed with red dried cranberries, chopped brown nuts, and small green herb pieces, giving it a textured and colorful appearance. The inside layer is creamy white cheese, visible where a scoop has been taken out. Pieces of the cheese ball are placed on top of square, light brown crackers around it. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

16 ounces full-fat cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
1 ¾ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh green onions (divided)
1 teaspoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¾ cup dried cranberries (finely chopped, divided)
¾ cup pecans (finely chopped, divided)

Instructions

Step 1: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, half of the chopped green onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat until well combined.
Step 2: Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and form the mixture into a ball. If sticky, grease your hands lightly with butter or oil to help shape it more easily.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Spread this mixture on a plate and roll the cheese ball until it is fully coated.
Step 4: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to soften slightly. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and coating the cheese ball.
Swap out green onions for finely chopped chives for a milder onion flavor.
Add a splash of orange zest to the cheese mixture to enhance the fruity notes.
Use a combination of white and yellow cheddar for a richer taste.

Storage

Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To enjoy the best texture and flavor, bring it to room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before serving. Leftover cheese ball can be served as is or spread on crackers the next day.

How to Serve

A round cheese ball with a creamy white center, covered in a thick outer layer of chopped dark red dried cranberries, light brown nuts, and small green herb pieces. The cheese ball sits directly on a white marbled surface, surrounded by golden square crackers, one cracker in the front holding a small scoop of the cheese ball topping. The cheese ball texture looks soft and crumbly inside, with a rough chunky coating outside. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, this cheese ball can be prepared up to 5 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with the cranberry pecan cheese ball?

It pairs well with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetables like celery and bell pepper strips, or crisp apple slices for a sweet contrast.