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

There’s something about the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and crunchy in a cheese ball that just makes any gathering feel special. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe brings together rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, sweet-tart cranberries, and toasted pecans for a festive appetizer you’ll want to make again and again.

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

Honestly, I first made this cranberry pecan cheese ball at a friend’s holiday party, and it was gone within minutes. What makes it stand out? It’s that wonderful mix of creamy with a bit of crunch and bursts of sweet-tart from the cranberries that keeps everyone coming back for more.

Perfect Blend of Flavors: Cream cheese and sharp cheddar create a rich base that’s perfectly offset by tangy cranberries and toasted pecans.
Easy to Prepare: You don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps — this cheese ball comes together quickly, making it ideal for last-minute entertaining.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether with crackers, pita chips, or veggies, it pairs beautifully with just about anything you like.
Great Make-Ahead Recipe: You can prepare it a day in advance, so you’re not stuck in the kitchen while guests arrive.

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

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is carefully chosen to complement the others. The creamy cheeses provide the foundation, while the cranberries and pecans add texture and flavor. Here’s why I think these ingredients shine together:

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 rich, smooth texture acts as the glue, helping everything stick together while offering a mild tang.
Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: Adds a tangy depth and sharpness that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
Dried Cranberries: Chopped and divided to bring bursts of sweet, tart flavor inside and as coating for a beautiful look and taste contrast.
Fisher’s Nuts Pecans: Chopped and toasted to enhance their natural nuttiness and add wonderful crunch—totally optional, but I highly recommend it.
Chives or Green Onions: A fresh, mild onion flavor that keeps the cheese ball lively and bright.
Garlic Powder: Just a little to introduce a subtle savory note that ties the ingredients together.

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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 things I adore about this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs. I like to swap chives for green onions depending on what’s on hand, and sometimes I even use smoked cheddar for a little smoky twist.

Add Fresh Herbs: Once, I stirred in some finely chopped thyme for a herby touch that paired beautifully with the pecans.
Dairy-Free Version: To make it dairy-free, try using vegan cream cheese and a sharp vegan cheddar alternative—I’ve done this for a friend with dietary restrictions, and it worked really well!
Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne or a few chopped jalapeños kicked the heat up a notch when I wanted a bolder flavor.

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

Step 1: Toast the Pecans to Awaken Their Flavor

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking tray and toast them for about 5 minutes until they smell nutty and look a shade darker. This step really amps up the nuttiness and crunch. Just keep your eye on them to avoid burning — pecans can go from perfectly toasted to bitter pretty fast!

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar together until smooth and combined. Then fold in half of the toasted pecans, half of the chopped cranberries, chives (or green onions), and garlic powder. The mixture should be consistent but still have nice texture from the add-ins.

Step 3: Shape and Chill

Place the cheese mixture in the center of a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Wrap it up tightly and roll it into a ball shape right inside the wrap. Pop it in the fridge to chill for at least an hour—this helps it firm up so it holds its shape when you serve it.

Step 4: Coat and Serve

Combine the remaining pecans, cranberries, and chives on a cutting board or flat plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it around in the mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies for easy snacking.

Top Tip

Through trial and error, I’ve noticed a few things that make this cranberry pecan cheese ball really shine and hold together:

Toasting Nuts: Don’t skip toasting the pecans — it unlocks so much more flavor and adds crunch that’s just unbeatable.
Chilling Time: Give yourself at least an hour in the fridge to let the cheese ball firm up; otherwise, it’s too soft and tricky to roll in the coating.
Even Coating: Roll the ball gently but firmly to get an even, pretty layer of cranberries and pecans that also adds texture with every bite.
Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps and make blending easier.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry pecan cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple and pretty, so I usually use extra pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh chives to coat the cheese ball. It gives a lovely mix of colors and textures that invite people to dig in. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh rosemary for a festive touch.

Side Dishes

For snacks alongside this cheese ball, I often serve a colorful platter of crackers, pita chips, pretzel twists, and fresh veggies like carrot sticks and celery. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing combo that balances the richness of the cheese ball perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Once, I shaped the cheese ball into a festive wreath and decorated it with sprigs of fresh parsley and tiny clusters of cranberries for a holiday party—such a fun conversation starter! You could also use a small bundt pan to make a ring shape or serve mini cheese balls on cocktail picks for an elegant appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 3 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long around here!

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheese ball before when I wanted to prepare early, wrapping it well in plastic and then foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, it keeps its texture nicely, though the coating may be a little softer than fresh.

Reheating

This cheese ball is best served chilled, so I don’t reheat it. Just bring leftovers to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to bring out the flavors without it getting too soft.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! This cheese ball actually tastes better after it chills for a few hours or overnight. Just prepare it a day before, keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with a cranberry pecan cheese ball?

It pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers, pita chips, pretzels, and fresh veggies like celery and carrot sticks. You can also try toasted baguette slices for a bit more sophistication.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Yes! Try swapping the cream cheese and cheddar for plant-based alternatives. Choose vegan versions with a similar texture for best results. This way, everyone can enjoy the cheese ball at your party!

What’s the best way to get pecans perfectly toasted?

Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast them in a 375°F oven for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye so they don’t burn. Once they smell aromatic and look slightly darker, remove them promptly.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is one of those unexpectedly delightful appetizers that feels both homey and a little fancy. I love how simple it is but how everyone raves about it at parties. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a go-to for holiday gatherings, family game nights, or whenever you want an easy yet impressive snack to share. Give it a try—I can’t wait to hear how much you love it!