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 cup pecans, chopped and toasted; 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

There’s something so festive and inviting about a good cheese ball, especially one loaded with the tart sweetness of dried cranberries and the crunch of toasted pecans. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is not only a standout at any party, but it’s also surprisingly easy to pull together — perfect for when you need a quick, impressive appetizer.

The image shows a round cheese ball with a creamy white inside mixed with small bits of dark dried fruit and herbs. The outside is covered in a thick layer of chopped walnuts, bright red dried cranberries, and green herbs scattered all around, giving a textured and colorful look. The cheese ball sits on a wooden surface, surrounded by a circle of golden round crackers. 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’m a huge fan of recipes that feel a little fancy but don’t require hours in the kitchen. This cranberry pecan cheese ball hits that sweet spot — it's creamy, flavorful, and packed with texture. Plus, it’s one of those easy crowd-pleasers that gets scooped up fast!

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The tart cranberries and crunchy pecans complement the rich cheese beautifully.
Simple but Elegant: Minimal ingredients come together to create something that looks and tastes impressive.
Great for Last-Minute Gatherings: Takes just 15 minutes to prep, then chill until you’re ready to serve.
Customizable: You can switch up the cheeses or nuts depending on what you have on hand.

A round cheese ball sits in the center, covered with a mix of chopped pecans, dried red cranberries, and green chives, creating a textured and colorful top layer. The cheese ball has a creamy white base layer visible between the toppings. Surrounding the cheese ball is a neat circle of round, golden crackers with light brown edges, all resting 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 plays a key role. The cream cheese creates that creamy base, while sharp white cheddar adds bold flavor. Dried cranberries bring in their signature tart sweetness, and the toasted pecans give a satisfying crunch. Fresh chives or green onions provide a hint of fresh bite, rounding the whole thing out.

Flat lay of fresh whole pecans, chopped toasted pecans in a small white ceramic bowl, a block of smooth cream cheese, shredded white sharp cheddar cheese in a small white bowl, dried cranberries in a small white bowl, fresh chopped chives in a small white bowl, a few whole garlic cloves next to a small white bowl containing 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 foundation that holds everything together; softened cream cheese blends smoothly and evenly.
White Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp tang and depth of flavor to the mild cream cheese.
Dried Cranberries: Sweet and tart, chopped to distribute flavor and texture throughout.
Pecans: Toasting amps up their nuttiness, bringing crunch and richness.
Chives or Green Onions: Freshness and a subtle onion note brighten the cheese ball.
Garlic Powder: Just a touch adds savory warmth without overpowering.

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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

Personally, I like to tweak this recipe depending on the season or the crowd. Sometimes I swap the cheddar for a smoky gouda or add in a pinch of cayenne if I want a little kick. Feel free to play around with the nuts too — walnuts or almonds work just as wonderfully.

Nut-Free Variation: Substitute pecans with toasted sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free option; I’ve made this for a friend with allergies and it was just as loved.
Extra Fresh Herbs: Adding finely chopped parsley or thyme can elevate the flavor for a more herbaceous spin.
Sweet Twist: You can toss in some finely chopped dried apricots or figs along with cranberries for a sweeter note.

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

Step 1: Toast Those Pecans

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking sheet in a single layer and toast them for about 5 minutes until they smell nutty and golden. Keep a close eye here — nuts can go from toasted to burnt quickly. Let them cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Blend Your Cheese Base

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with the shredded white cheddar, half of your toasted pecans, half of the chopped cranberries, chopped chives (or green onions), and garlic powder. I use a hand mixer for this to get everything creamy and well combined quickly. You want an even mix without large lumps.

Step 3: Shape & Chill

Place the cheese mixture in the center of a sheet of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Using the wrap as a guide, mold the mixture into a tight ball shape. Wrap it snugly and transfer it to the fridge for at least an hour so it firms up nicely — this also helps the flavors meld.

Step 4: Coat and Serve

Before serving, combine the remaining pecans, cranberries, and chives on a flat plate or board. Unwrap your chilled cheese ball and roll it around gently in this coating mixture. The contrast in texture and color is really what makes this pop visually and on the palate. Serve it with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies like carrots and celery sticks.

Top Tip

I’ve made this cranberry pecan cheese ball plenty of times, and the difference between a good and a great result often comes down to the toasting and chilling steps. Those are the small things that lift the flavor and give you a nice, firm texture that slices well.

Toast Nuts Just Right: Don’t walk away while toasting pecans — they can burn fast, and burnt nuts will ruin the flavor.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: It mixes more smoothly and evenly, preventing lumps in your cheese ball.
Chill Thoroughly: Giving the ball time to firm up in the fridge allows you to roll it in your coating without it falling apart.
Wrap It Tight: Whether using plastic wrap or parchment, wrapping snugly keeps the shape compact and helps the cheese meld nicely.

How to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry pecan cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to garnish mine with a little extra chopped chive and a sprinkle of reserved chopped pecans and cranberries — it adds a pretty splash of color and extra crunch right at the end. Fresh rosemary sprigs can be a nice festive touch too.

Side Dishes

This cheese ball pairs wonderfully with a crunchy veggie platter (carrots, celery, bell pepper strips), assorted crackers, pita chips, or even pretzels. For a more substantial spread, add some sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast everyone loves.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve rolled the cheese ball in crushed pistachios and dried cranberries placed on a wooden serving board with fresh herbs around. It’s a visual treat! Sometimes I portion it into mini balls rolled in pecans for individual appetizers — super cute and easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheese ball keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in. When you’re ready to serve again, just take it out early to soften slightly before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cheese balls before successfully, but I recommend freezing before rolling in the cranberry-pecan coating. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then roll in the coating right before serving so it stays fresh and crunchy.

Reheating

This cheese ball is best served chilled, so no reheating needed. If it’s too firm straight from the fridge, just leave it out on the counter for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and bring out the flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even pistachios can be toasted and used instead of pecans. Each nut will bring a slightly different flavor and texture, so pick your favorite or what you have on hand.

How far in advance can I make this cheese ball?

You can make the cheese ball up to 2 days ahead of serving. Just wrap it well and keep it refrigerated. Adding the cranberry and pecan coating right before guests arrive keeps it fresh and crunchy.

Can I prepare this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

For a vegan or dairy-free version, try vegan cream cheese alternatives and use a plant-based shredded cheese substitute. Toasted nuts and dried cranberries remain the same, though do check your dried fruit for any added sugar or preservatives.

What are the best crackers to serve with this cheese ball?

I like to serve it with a mix of sturdy, crunchy crackers and pita chips. Something with a bit of saltiness balances the sweet cranberries and creamy cheese beautifully. Whole grain, water crackers, or even pretzels are all great options!

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe really has become one of my go-to crowd-pleasers for holidays and casual get-togethers alike. It’s one of those recipes I happily bring out whenever I want to impress with minimum stress. Give it a try — I know you’ll love the creamy, nutty, tart flavors as much as I do!