Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a creamy, flavorful appetizer made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, herbs, cranberries, and pecans. It’s quick to make, easy to prepare ahead, and always a party favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces (452g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 3/4 cups (175g) shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup (108g) finely chopped dried cranberries, divided
- 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans, divided
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. (A stand mixer is preferred as the mixture is thick. If using a hand mixer, be prepared for extra effort, or mix by hand with a spatula.)
- Add shredded cheese, 1 Tablespoon chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the cranberries (about 6 Tbsp), and half of the pecans (about 6 Tbsp). Beat or stir until combined.
- Scrape down the bowl and shape the mixture into a ball using a spatula or your hands. The mixture will be slightly sticky.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, mix the remaining chives, cranberries, and pecans together. Spread onto a large plate and roll the cheese ball until evenly coated.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 5 days.
- To serve, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly. Unwrap, place on a serving platter with crackers, and provide a knife for spreading.
- Cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 10 days. Best enjoyed within the first 5 days.
Notes
- A stand mixer is best for mixing, but a spatula works if mixing by hand.
- Cheese ball can be made up to 5 days ahead.
- Let it soften before serving for the best texture.
- Best flavor and texture within the first 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 cheese ball
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, holiday appetizer, pecan cheese ball, party cheese ball, make ahead appetizer, easy cheese ball