This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the ultimate crowd-pleaser—creamy, tangy, and dotted with sweet cranberries and savory herbs. Wrapped in a vibrant coating of toasted pecans, cranberries, and fresh chives, it’s perfect for holidays, weekend get-togethers, or anytime you want a stunning appetizer that disappears fast. The combination of textures and flavors—smooth cheese, crunchy nuts, and juicy cranberries—makes it irresistible. Easy to prepare and visually impressive, this cheese ball elevates any table, giving you a dish that’s both elegant and delicious.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Full-fat cream cheese (softened) | 16 oz (brick-style) |
| Sharp white cheddar (shredded) | 1 ¾ cups |
| Fresh chives (divided) | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 2 tsp |
| Brown sugar | 1 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Black pepper (freshly ground) | ¼ tsp |
| Dried cranberries (finely chopped, divided) | ¾ cup |
| Pecans (finely chopped, divided) | ¾ cup |
Instructions
-
Prepare the cheese mixture
Beat the cream cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add shredded cheddar, 1 tbsp chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the cranberries and pecans. Mix until evenly combined. -
Shape and chill
Form the mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 5 days. -
Prepare the coating
Just before serving, mix the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives on a plate. -
Roll and serve
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the cranberry-pecan-chive mixture, pressing gently to coat. Transfer to a serving platter and serve with crackers, crostini, pretzels, or fresh vegetables. Allow to sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes for the best texture.
