Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Pecans

A festive cheese ball covered in nuts and dried cranberries, surrounded by round crackers on a red and white plate, with a small snowman cheese spreader on the side. Green parsley is used as garnish.

Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Pecans

This creamy cranberry pecan cheese ball is an easy make ahead appetizer that feeds a crowd. Sharp cheddar, creamy cheese, toasted pecans, and sweet cranberries create the perfect mix of savory and sweet. Chill it, set it out when guests arrive, and enjoy a simple party recipe that always brings people together.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Diet Vegetarian

Keyword creamy, easy, party food, savory

Prep Time 45

Chill Time 3

Total Time 3 45

Servings servings

Calories 164

Author Gina Dickson

Ingredients

2 cups cheddar cheese shredded extra-sharp
8 ounces cream cheese softened to room temperature
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 garlic clove minced
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ cup pecans chopped and toasted
½ cup dried cranberries chopped into small pieces

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

Process the cheddar, cream cheese, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and cayenne in a food processor until smooth.
2 cups cheddar cheese, 8 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 garlic clove, ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Shape the Cheese Ball

Transfer the cheese mixture to the center of a large sheet of plastic wrap and tightly wrap it, shaping it into a rough ball.
Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours.

Coat the Cheese Ball

Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and reshape as needed.
Spread the pecans and cranberries in an even layer on a baking sheet or large plate.
½ cup pecans, ½ cup dried cranberries
Place the cheese ball on top and gently roll it, pressing lightly so the coating adheres to all sides.
Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Storage Instructions

Keep the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen as it chills, so it is even better the next day. If the coating softens, you can roll it in a fresh layer of pecans and cranberries before serving.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze the cheese ball before adding the pecans and cranberries. Shape it, wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then roll it in the pecan cranberry coating right before serving. The texture stays creamy and smooth when thawed.

Nutrition