A festive cranberry pecan cheeseball is the perfect addition to your holiday party spread! This creamy cheese appetizer combines tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a delicious balance of flavors to create a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that pairs beautifully with crackers, veggie sticks, or pear slices.
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The cheeseball first rolled onto the scene in 1944, thanks to Virginia Safford’s cookbook, but it didn’t stay chic forever—by the ’80s, it was labeled as tacky as shag rugs and tinsel. Enter Amy Sedaris, who turned the cheese ball into a pop culture icon, with recipes, plays, and even a Martha Stewart appearance that made it cool again. Today, this creamy appetizer is having its moment, with foodies everywhere declaring it a festive holiday must-have and the North’s answer to Southern pimento cheese!
There’s nothing quite like the festive charm of a cranberry pecan cheeseball. The tart cranberries, creamy cheese, and buttery crunch of pecans make for an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or contributing to a potluck, this easy appetizer is a great choice for impressing guests.
What’s even better? This homemade cheese ball recipe is a breeze to make, even for first-time cooks! With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s the best thing to whip up when you’re short on time but still want to bring something spectacular to the table. Plus, its versatility ensures it pairs perfectly with buttery crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
Love cheese appetizers? You’ll adore my Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball, Crispy Goat Cheese Bites, Southern Cheese Straws, Deep Fried Cheese Curds Recipe, and Cranberry Salsa with Cream Cheese—each one’s a party-perfect winner!
Why We Love This Recipe
- This festive cranberry pecan cheese ball recipe is a crowd pleaser, with a creamy combination of cream cheese, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar that creates a delicious balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors.
- It’s a perfect appetizer for holiday parties, charcuterie boards, or even casual gatherings, thanks to its versatility and simple ingredients like dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh chives.
- Making this homemade cheese ball is surprisingly easy—it’s ready in no time and looks stunning on a serving platter surrounded by buttery crackers, pita chips, or veggie sticks.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
- Full-Fat Cream Cheese – The creamy foundation that holds the cheese ball mixture together. Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth texture that’s easy to mix.
- Goat Cheese – Adds a tangy flair and creamy richness that pairs beautifully with the tart cranberries.
- Garlic Powder – A little bit of this seasoning brings subtle savory depth to the cheese mixture.
- Dried Cranberries – The tart cranberries add bursts of sweetness and a pop of festive color.
- Pecans – Chopped pecans bring crunch and buttery flavor; walnuts or pistachios are great substitutes.
- Chives – Fresh chives add a mild onion flavor and a vibrant green touch. You could swap these for fresh rosemary for a different twist.
How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
- Mix the base. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic powder, and a couple of tablespoons of minced chives. Use an electric mixer or a silicone spatula to mix everything until smooth and creamy—this is the creamy cheese magic that makes this recipe irresistible.
- Shape into a ball. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter and scoop the cheese mixture onto it. Wrap it tightly, shaping the mixture into a perfect ball of cheese with your hands as you go. Chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for about 20 minutes to firm up.
- Roll in toppings. Spread a cranberry-pecan mixture and remaining chives on a sheet of parchment paper. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll it over the toppings. Use your hands to press them firmly onto the sides of the ball, covering it completely with festive goodness.
- Wrap and refrigerate. Wrap the finished cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it back in the fridge until ready to serve. When it’s time to shine, place it on a serving plate with a variety of crackers, pear slices, and veggie sticks, then watch it disappear!
Recipe FAQ’s
If pecans aren’t your favorite, swap them for walnuts, pistachios, or even crushed pretzels for a nut-free option with a crunch.
Yes! Divide the cheese mixture into smaller portions and roll them into mini cheese balls. They’re a great choice for individual servings and look adorable on a holiday platter.
Buttery crackers are a classic choice, but it’s also delicious with pita chips, veggie sticks, or pear slices for a light, fresh option.
It’s super simple! Wrap your cranberry pecan cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator—it’ll stay fresh and fabulous for up to five days. Bonus: this also makes it a perfect make-ahead appetizer for your holiday gathering!
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It will stay fresh for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Tips for Success
- Let your cheeses soften at room temperature before mixing. Softened cream cheese and goat cheese ensure a smooth, creamy cheese ball mixture that’s easy to work with.
- Chill the cheese ball before rolling it in toppings. This helps it hold its shape and makes the cranberry-pecan mixture stick better.
- Don’t skip the plastic wrap! Wrapping tightly not only helps shape the ball but also keeps it fresh while it chills in the fridge.
- Roll gently but firmly in the toppings. Pressing the toppings into the cheese ball ensures an even, festive coating that looks and tastes amazing.
- Pair with a variety of sides. A mix of buttery crackers, veggie sticks, pita chips, and pear slices offers something for everyone and makes your platter shine.
What to Serve with Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
With its sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, this festive cranberry pecan cheese ball is a versatile appetizer that shines on any holiday table.
Pair it with a variety of buttery crackers, crunchy pita chips, and colorful veggie sticks for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing platter.
For an elegant touch, add fresh pear slices or include it as the centerpiece of your charcuterie board.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap pecans for walnuts, pistachios, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free twist that keeps the crunch.
- Use dried cherries or golden raisins in place of cranberries for a fun flavor variation that still delivers that sweet-tangy vibe.
- Try blue cheese or white cheddar cheese instead of goat cheese for a bold flavor swap that still blends beautifully with the cream cheese base.
- Skip the garlic powder and mix in a little honey or brown sugar for a sweeter, dessert-like version of the cheese ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in crushed pretzels or shredded coconut instead of the cranberry-pecan mixture for an unexpected and delicious coating.
- For mini cheese balls, divide the mixture into smaller portions before chilling, then roll them individually in your favorite toppings for perfect bite-sized appetizers.
More Crowd-Pleasing Recipes for Your Christmas Party
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Flaky Creamy Spinach Puffs
- Baked Brie with Figs, Walnuts, and Honey
- Jalapeño Popper Dip with Bacon
- Baked Brie in Puff Pastry
- Bacon-Wrapped Jalapeño Poppers
- Bacon Green Onion Deviled Eggs
- Easy Party Appetizers for a Crowd
Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces full-fat cream cheese softened
- 4 ounces goat cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ⅓ cup minced chives divided
Instructions
- Add cream cheese, goat cheese, garlic powder and 2 tablespoons of the minced chives to a mixing bowl. Mix ingredients together until fully combined.8 ounces full-fat cream cheese, 4 ounces goat cheese, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ⅓ cup minced chives
- Place a sheet of plastic wrap onto the counter. Dump the cheese mixture on top of the plastic wrap. Wrap the cheese mixture tightly with the plastic wrap. As you do this, press the cheese firmly on all sides until you form the shape of a nice, smooth ball.
- Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator for 20 minutes to chill.
- Lay a piece of parchment paper on top of the counter. Sprinkle the remaining chives, pecans and cranberries on top of the parchment paper. Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and begin to gently roll it across the parchment paper. Use your hands to help adhere the toppings to the sides of the ball. Continue until the entire ball is evenly coated.½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chopped pecans
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Storage: This cheese ball can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to keep it nicely wrapped when stored so that it doesn’t dry out. You can also choose to freeze this as well. This cheese ball will stay fresh in the freezer for up to one month. If you choose to freeze, I would recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in a freezer proof container or ziplock.
- Variations: The cream cheese and goat cheese serve as your foundation to this recipe. From here you can easily play with the flavors you like the most. If you don’t love pecans, try a different nut such as pistachios or walnuts. If you’d like to make this nut-free you can even use crushed pretzels. You can also try other herbs as well. Fresh rosemary would make an excellent and flavorful option.
