Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
A festive, make-ahead cheese ball appetizer featuring creamy cream cheese, tangy white cheddar, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy winter parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings (1 large cheese ball)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 16 oz cold cream cheese
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- 4 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, chopped (for coating)
- 1/3 cup green onions, sliced (for coating)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cold cream cheese with 1 cup chopped dried cranberries and 1/2 cup sliced green onions until fluffy and well combined.
- Add the shredded white cheddar cheese and continue mixing until fully incorporated. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
- Transfer the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball or log using the wrap. Twist the ends to secure tightly.
- In a shallow dish, mix together 1/3 cup chopped pecans, 1/3 cup chopped dried cranberries, and 1/3 cup sliced green onions to create the coating.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure full coverage.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for several hours or overnight for enhanced flavor. Let sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Use gouda or blue cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Can be frozen before coating; thaw in fridge and coat before serving.
- Make mini cheese balls for party-style presentation.
Find it online: https://www.recipebyelena.com/cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball/