Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided; 1 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted (optional); 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

There’s just something delightful about the crunch of toasted pecans paired with sweet-tart cranberries and creamy cheese, right? This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe has been a longtime favorite in my home because it balances flavors and textures so beautifully—plus, it’s always the star of any gathering.

The image shows a round cheese ball with three visible layers: the inside creamy white cheese with small bits of dark dried fruit mixed in, a middle layer covered in chopped green herbs, and an outer layer coated in a mix of bright red dried cranberries and brown pecan pieces. The cheese ball sits in the center of a white plate, surrounded by a neat ring of light golden, round crackers with small holes. The background surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I bring this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe to a party, it disappears fast, and that’s because everyone can enjoy the sweet and savory combo without any fuss. It’s simple but feels special—a real crowd-pleaser.

Perfect Flavor Balance: The tart cranberries, sharp cheddar, and toasted pecans create a harmony of tastes that makes every bite exciting.
Easy to Make: It comes together quickly with no complicated steps, so even if you’re last-minute prepping, you’re golden.
Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s the holidays, game day, or just a cozy night, this cheese ball fits right in.
Customizable: You can tweak the nuts, herbs, or dried fruit to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

A round cheese ball covered in a mix of chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and green herbs sits in the center of a white plate. The cheese ball itself is creamy white, with the nuts and dried fruit adding rich brown, deep red, and green colors to its rough texture. Around the cheese ball is a neat circle of light golden-brown crackers, each with a smooth and slightly shiny surface. The plate rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients play off one another in such a satisfying way. Cream cheese provides that smooth, rich base, while the sharp white cheddar adds tang and depth. Toasted pecans bring a smoky crunch, and the chopped dried cranberries inject a little pop of sweet-tart goodness.

Flat lay of a small block of fresh cream cheese, a neat pile of shredded white sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped dried cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl of toasted chopped pecans, a small bunch of vibrant green chopped chives, and a small white ceramic bowl of fine garlic powder, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Cream cheese: The creamy anchor for the whole cheese ball, so make sure it’s softened for easier mixing.
White sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a nice bite and balances the creaminess perfectly.
Dried cranberries: Dividing them lets you incorporate some inside and some on the outside for great texture and flavor contrast.
Pecans: Toast them lightly to bring out their nutty aroma and crunch. I recommend Fisher’s Nuts for consistent quality.
Chives or green onions: A fresh, subtle onion flavor that brightens the whole cheese ball.
Garlic powder: Just a touch for warmth without overpowering.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Personally, I love experimenting with this cheese ball—sometimes swapping out pecans for walnuts or mixing in a little orange zest to boost the fruitiness. I encourage you to play with the ingredients until you find your perfect combo.

Variation: I once tried adding a sprinkle of cinnamon and it gave a cozy warm twist that was a hit at a holiday brunch.
Dietary modification: For a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cream cheese and nut-based cheese alternatives, although it changes the texture a bit.
Make it festive: Roll the cheese ball in colorful chopped pistachios and dried cherries for a vibrant bite during the holidays.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Step 1: Toast the Pecans to Bring Out Their Best

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking tray in an even layer. Pop them in for about 5 minutes; watch carefully so they don’t burn. Once aromatic and lightly golden, take them out and let them cool. This step is key—it amps up the nuttiness and crunch. I usually toast just half for folding in and save the rest for rolling.

Step 2: Mix All The Goodness Together

Grab a large bowl and combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded white sharp cheddar. Add in half the toasted pecans, half the chopped dried cranberries, chopped chives (or green onions), and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer or sturdy spoon to blend everything well. The mixture should be creamy but hold its shape—if it’s crumbly, a little extra mixing or warming the cream cheese more helps.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Your Cheese Ball

Place a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment on your countertop, scoop the cheese mixture onto the center, and wrap it up tightly while shaping it into a round ball. I find using the plastic wrap helps keep things neat and makes transferring to the fridge easier. Pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour—this helps it firm up so it rolls nicely in the next step.

Step 4: Coat with Cranberry-Pecan Goodness Just Before Serving

Combine the remaining half of the pecans, dried cranberries, and a couple tablespoons of chives on a flat surface. Unwrap your chilled cheese ball and roll it gently over this mixture until well coated all around. This outer layer adds extra texture and that pretty festive look everyone loves.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball with crackers, pita chips, or crisp veggies like carrots and celery. It’s always a hit and such a simple but flavorful appetizer.

Top Tip

Making this cheese ball a few hours in advance really allows the flavors to blend beautifully. I’ve learned a couple tricks that help it turn out perfect every time—trust me, they make a difference on texture and presentation!

Soften cream cheese well: I usually leave it out for about 30 minutes at room temperature so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
Don’t skip toasting the pecans: Un-toasted nuts can be a bit bland and soft; toasting maximizes the crunch and flavor.
Chill thoroughly before rolling: This helps the cheese ball hold shape and makes coating with cranberries and pecans easier.
Use plastic wrap to shape: It’s less messy and you can easily transfer the ball to the fridge without losing your shape.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry pecan cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing mine with extra chopped chives on top for a fresh pop of color and a mild oniony flavor. Sometimes, I sprinkle a few whole cranberries or even a little cracked black pepper for extra zing. It’s all about that inviting look and subtle flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Pair the cheese ball with a colorful veggie platter—carrots, celery, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes work wonders. And don’t forget a variety of crackers or artisan bread slices for scooping up each bite. For festive occasions, I sometimes set it alongside smoked meats or olives to round out the appetizer spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For the holidays, I’ve shaped the cheese into a small wreath, using extra cranberries and pecans to decorate, and it’s always a hit visually. Another time, I made mini cheese balls on toothpicks as bite-size appetizers. Feel free to get creative—it’s fun and impresses guests!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps the cheese ball fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors. It usually lasts about 3-4 days, and I always find the flavors have mellowed into something even tastier.

Freezing

Freezing this cheese ball works okay in a pinch, but I personally find the texture changes a bit—especially with fresh herbs and cranberries. If you do freeze it, wrap it tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. Stir gently to refresh the texture after thawing.

Reheating

This cheese ball is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want slightly softer cheese for spreading, just take it out of the fridge 20 minutes ahead of time to let it come to room temperature—it spreads beautifully then.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides pecans in this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios make great substitutions depending on your preference or allergies. Just toast them lightly before adding for best flavor.

What’s the best way to soften cream cheese quickly?

If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes and microwave it for 10-15 seconds. Be careful to avoid melting; it should be soft but not liquid. Alternatively, place it near a warm area for 30 minutes before mixing.

Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, making it the day before is ideal! This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes assembly on serving day easy. Just keep it well wrapped and refrigerated until ready to roll in the cranberry-pecan garnish and serve.

What should I serve alongside this cheese ball?

Crackers, pita chips, pretzels, and fresh veggies like carrots and celery are perfect dippers. For a party, adding cured meats and olives alongside creates a lovely appetizer spread.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe has an incredibly warm spot in my heart because it reminds me of festive times with family and friends gathered around snacking and sharing stories. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s an easy, delicious way to bring a little extra joy to your table. Give it a try, and I’m sure you’ll be reaching for it at your next get-together!