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; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted; 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped; 1/2 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted; 2 tablespoons chives, chopped

There’s something so inviting about a creamy, tangy cheese ball rolling in crunchy pecans and sweet cranberries. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is basically your new go-to appetizer for holidays, parties, or just when you want to impress without fussing. Trust me, it’s that perfect combo of flavors and textures that folks can’t stop reaching for.

The image shows a round cheese ball with a creamy white inside mixed with small bits of dark dried fruit and herbs. The outside is covered in a thick layer of chopped walnuts, bright red dried cranberries, and green herbs scattered all around, giving a textured and colorful look. The cheese ball sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by a circle of golden round crackers. 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

I first fell in love with this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe a few holidays back when I wanted something classic but with a little twist. It’s super simple to whip up but looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Plus, everyone goes wild for the sweet-tart cranberries paired with that rich cheddar and cream cheese base.

Easy to Make: You don’t need any fancy equipment — just a bowl, some wrappers, and a few minutes to mix and chill.
Flavor Explosion: The combo of sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and toasted pecans creates balance and excitement in every bite.
Customizable: You can easily swap chives for green onions or tweak the nut mixture to your taste, making it flexible for any occasion.
Perfect Party Starter: It pairs beautifully with crackers, chips, or veggies and always disappears fast on the platter!

A round cheese ball sits in the center, covered with a mix of chopped pecans, dried red cranberries, and green chives, creating a textured and colorful top layer. The cheese ball has a creamy white base layer visible between the toppings. Surrounding the cheese ball is a neat circle of round, golden crackers with light brown edges, all resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe plays a special role. The creamy base and sharp cheddar give it body and tang, while the cranberries add bursts of fruity sweetness. Toasted pecans bring crunch and a toasty depth, finishing it off with chives for just a hint of fresh bite.

Flat lay of fresh whole pecans, chopped toasted pecans in a small white ceramic bowl, a block of smooth cream cheese, shredded white sharp cheddar cheese in a small white bowl, dried cranberries in a small white bowl, fresh chopped chives in a small white bowl, a few whole garlic cloves next to a small white bowl containing 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: Acts as the soft, creamy base that binds everything together and balances the flavors.
White sharp cheddar cheese: Gives a tangy kick and melts nicely into the cream cheese for a rich texture.
Dried cranberries: Adds sweet-tart pops that brighten up the richness.
Fisher’s Nuts pecans: Toasted pecans bring crunchiness and a warm nutty flavor; toasting intensifies their aroma.
Chives or green onions: Freshness and mild onion flavor that keeps the cheese ball from being too heavy.
Garlic powder: Packs a subtle savory note without overpowering the other ingredients.

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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

One of the best parts about this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I often swap in spiced pecans for a little smoky depth or use scallions instead of chives when they’re in season. You do you — tailor it to your taste or the vibe of your gathering.

Variation: Once, I added a sprinkle of cayenne to the mix for a subtle spicy kick that paired beautifully with the sweetness of the cranberries — a total crowd-pleaser.
Dairy-Free Twist: You can substitute cream cheese with a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast for cheesiness to cater to dairy-free guests.

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

Step 1: Toast Those Pecans Until They’re Perfectly Aromatic

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F and spreading the chopped pecans on a baking tray in a single layer. Just 5 minutes is enough — keep an eye on them because nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly. You want that warm, fragrant smell to fill your kitchen, which means they’re ready. Once done, set them aside to cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Mix Your Cheese Base and Fold in Flavors

In a large bowl, I beat the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar together until smooth and fluffy. Then I fold in half of the toasted pecans, half the chopped cranberries, chopped chives or green onions, and garlic powder. This ensures each bite has a consistent flavor and texture.

Step 3: Shape It, Chill It, and Prep for Serving

Once mixed well, I place the creamy mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and gently shape it into a roughly round ball. Wrapping it tightly and letting it chill in the fridge helps it firm up, which takes at least an hour if you can wait. Trust me, this makes rolling it in the remaining pecan and cranberry mix easier and tidier.

Step 4: Coat the Ball and Get Ready to Impress

Right before serving, I combine the leftover pecans, cranberries, and a little additional chives on a flat surface. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it around in this mixture until fully coated. The nuts and cranberries stick nicely, giving a beautiful, festive look and extra crunch. It’s such a simple step that makes a big impact!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned some key tricks that make this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe shine every single time. These tips have saved me from a few kitchen fails and elevated the overall flavor.

Toast Nuts Just Right: Watch the pecans like a hawk when toasting—they can burn fast and turn bitter, so remove them as soon as they smell heavenly.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: It gives the best creamy texture and flavor; low-fat versions tend to make the ball dry and less rich.
Let It Chill Enough: Don’t skimp on refrigerator time; the cooling firms the ball so it holds shape and ingredients meld together.
Mix by Hand, Don’t Overbeat: Gently folding ingredients prevents over-aerating the cream cheese, which can cause a grainy texture.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually finish the cheese ball with a sprinkle of extra chopped chives and a few whole pecan halves on top for presentation. The fresh green from the chives gives it a pop of color that makes it look as appetizing as it tastes. Plus, little extra nuts add that showing-off touch.

Side Dishes

This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crisp crackers—my favorites are water crackers or buttery wheat crackers. I also love offering pita chips or pretzels for salty balance and serving alongside fresh carrot and celery sticks to add crunch and freshness. It’s always a hit whether you keep it classic or add veggie variety.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve shaped the cheese ball into festive forms like mini pumpkins using orange bell peppers around the edges or garnished with rosemary to mimic pine branches. Placing it on a wooden board surrounded by fresh fruit, nuts, and olives turns it into an impressive charcuterie centerpiece that guests can’t resist digging into.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and creamy for up to 4 days, so you can enjoy bites over a few days without losing that great texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheese ball a couple of times when prepping ahead. Wrap it well in plastic and then foil before placing it in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving. The texture is slightly softer after freezing, but rolling it again in fresh pecans and cranberries helps restore the outside crispiness.

Reheating

This cheese ball is best served cold or at room temperature. If you want a slightly softer texture, let it sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving rather than reheating; heat can cause the cheese to separate or lose its creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead lets the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and tightly covered.

What can I use if I don’t have pecans?

Walnuts or almonds make great substitutes if you don’t have pecans. Toast them lightly for the best flavor and crunch.

Is it possible to make this cheese ball gluten-free?

Yes! Most crackers and chips offer gluten-free options these days. Just double-check your ingredients, especially the sides, and you’re good to go.

Can I add other dried fruits besides cranberries?

You can absolutely swap in dried cherries or chopped apricots for a twist. Just make sure they’re chopped finely and balanced by nuts for texture.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe has earned a permanent spot on my appetizer list, especially around holiday seasons or casual get-togethers. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without stress, bringing people together with its balance of creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy. I can’t recommend it enough — it’s like giving your guests a cozy hug in food form. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll find yourself making it again and again.