Go Back
–+ servings
Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball coated in chopped pecans and dried cranberries, served on a wooden board with apple slices, pretzels, and crackers for a holiday appetizer spread.

🎉 Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a creamy, festive appetizer that’s perfect for the holidays! Made with rich cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory. Rolled in a colorful mix of cranberries and nuts, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, or apple slices for a show-stopping holiday snack that comes together in minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 245 kcal

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
  • Rubber Spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Serving plate or platter
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 2 tsp fresh chopped parsley
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Stir in parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully incorporated.
  • Gently fold in ¾ cup of the dried cranberries. Reserve ¼ cup for rolling later.
  • Use a spatula to form the mixture into a rough ball shape. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  • Combine chopped pecans and the remaining cranberries on a large plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the mixture until fully coated.
  • Place on a serving platter and garnish with a little extra parsley if desired. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or apple slices.

Notes

Nutritional values provided are estimates only and are calculated based on general nutritional data for the listed ingredients. Actual values may vary depending on the specific brands, measurements, and preparation methods used. For precise dietary information, please consult a registered dietitian or use a verified nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients you use.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 6gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword appetizer for Christmas, best cheese ball recipe, cheese ball recipe, cheese ball with cranberries and pecans, chream cheese cranberry pecan ball, Christmas cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer, easy cheese ball recipe, festive cheese ball, holiday cheese ball, holiday party recipes, make ahead holiday appetizer, party cheese ball recipe, pecan cranberry appetizer, simple holiday appetizers, Thanksgiving appetizer, Thanksgiving snack ideas, white cheddar cheese ball
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!