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; 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

There’s something about the tangy burst of cranberries combined with the rich crunch of pecans that makes this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser. I love how it’s as easy to throw together as it is impressive on the table—perfect for any get-together or last-minute hostess gift.

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

I genuinely get excited every time I make this cranberry pecan cheese ball because it’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and nutty flavors. It’s one of those recipes that feels fancy but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen.

Flavor Magic: The tartness of cranberries paired with toasted pecans creates a delightful contrast that wakes up your palate.
Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under 15 minutes and largely requires mixing, no fancy equipment needed.
Customizable: You can switch up nuts, add herbs, or change the cheese to make it your own twist.
Perfect Party Starter: It’s a great centerpiece on your snack table and pairs wonderfully with all sorts of dippers.

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 here brings its own charm to the plate, creating layers of texture and flavor that make this cranberry pecan cheese ball more than just cheese—it's a tasty experience. Plus, these components are easy to find and work beautifully 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 creamy base that holds everything together, making the cheese ball smooth and spreadable.
White Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold flavor edge and a bit of salty depth.
Dried Cranberries: Provides sweet and tart notes; chopping them ensures even distribution.
Fisher’s Nuts Pecans: Toasted to release their nutty aroma, they add crunch and richness (totally optional, but highly recommended).
Chives or Green Onions: Bring a fresh, mild onion flavor that balances the cheese and fruits.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the rest of the 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 things about this cranberry pecan cheese ball recipe is how flexible it is. I often play around with the nuts or herbs depending on what I have on hand or the season. You should totally do the same and make it your own.

Variation: I sometimes swap the pecans for toasted walnuts or almonds when pecans aren’t around; it still tastes fantastic and adds a slightly different texture.
Herb Swap: Fresh parsley or dill can take the flavor in a new direction, especially if you want a brighter, herbaceous note.
Cheese Options: For a sharper bite, try mixing in some gouda or even blue cheese if you’re feeling adventurous.
Dietary tweaks: Use dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan twist that still holds the flavors beautifully.

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

Step 1: Toast Those Pecans to Perfection

First up, preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread your chopped pecans in a single layer on a baking tray. Pop them in the oven and toast for about 5 minutes until they get fragrant and slightly golden. This step is key because it brings out that deep, nutty flavor we all love. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—nuts toast fast!

Step 2: Mix the Cheeses and Flavorings Together

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar until creamy and well combined. Then add half the toasted pecans, half the dried cranberries, chopped chives (or green onions), and garlic powder. Mix everything thoroughly so every bite gets that balanced flavor.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Your Cheese Ball

Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Wrap it up tightly, forming it into a nice, round ball shape with your hands. Pop it in the fridge and let it chill until you’re ready to serve. This step isn’t just about getting it cold—it helps the flavors blend together and makes spreading easier.

Step 4: Coat Your Cheese Ball with More Cranberries and Pecans

Just before serving, mix the remaining half cup of chopped pecans, half cup of dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of additional chives on a flat board or plate. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it carefully in this mixture, coating all sides. This not only ups the flavor but also makes the cheese ball look stunning and inviting.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Arrange your cheese ball on a pretty platter and surround it with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks. Watching the smiles and watching it disappear is my favorite part.

Top Tip

From my experience, a few little tricks make all the difference. When you toast the pecans just right, your cheese ball feels gourmet without fuss. Also, chilling it well before rolling it in the cranberry-pecan coating helps the topping stick perfectly.

Toast Nuts Thoroughly: Don’t skip this step—it brings flavor and crunch that’s worth the 5 minutes.
Mix Well: Use a hand mixer or strong spoon to combine the cheese and flavorings evenly; no one likes pockets of plain cream cheese.
Chill Properly: Cooling the cheese ball helps it firm up and blend flavors, plus it makes shaping so much easier.
Roll Gently: Roll the cheese ball carefully in your cranberry and pecan mix to keep it intact and beautiful.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry pecan cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping my cheese ball with extra fresh chives and a few whole cranberries or pecan halves for that extra pop of color and better texture contrast. It looks fabulous and invites your guests to dig in.

Side Dishes

To round out the spread, I usually serve this cranberry pecan cheese ball with a variety of crackers, pita chips, and fresh veggies like crunchy celery or carrot sticks. It’s a perfect combo for snacking and entertaining any time of year.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, try molding the cheese ball into a fun shape like a wreath or a mini pumpkin using colored fruit or nuts for decoration. Another idea? Serve it nestled in a hollowed-out pomegranate or surrounded by a festive fruit and nut platter for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap the leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, making it a great snack to enjoy throughout the week.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cheese ball a couple of times by wrapping it well in plastic wrap and then foil for extra protection. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture is surprisingly good—just a little less firm but still tasty.

Reheating

This cheese ball is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. But if it gets too firm out of the fridge, let it sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios work wonderfully. Just toast them the same way you would pecans to bring out their flavor.

How far ahead can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe?

You can make it up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it tightly wrapped in the fridge and roll it in the cranberry and nut coating just before serving for best freshness.

Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried in this recipe?

Yes! Fresh chives or green onions are preferable for their mild, fresh flavor, but if you only have dried herbs, use about one-third the amount and mix well to avoid overpowering the cheese ball.

What’s the best way to serve this cheese ball to guests?

Place the cheese ball on a nice platter with an array of crackers, pita chips, sliced veggies, or pretzels around it. Provide small spreader knives or spoons so guests can easily scoop and spread onto their snacks.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe has become one of my go-to recipes for entertaining, mostly because it’s so simple yet has that special touch everyone notices. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s the kind of recipe that brings people together over good food and conversation, and that’s what cooking is all about, right?