If you’re looking for the ultimate holiday appetizer that’s as easy to make as it is delicious, this cranberry pecan cheeseball is your answer! It’s the perfect blend of creamy, tangy, nutty, and sweet – a surefire crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
Hosting the family for Christmas or craving a wow-worthy snack for a cozy night in? This cheeseball will quickly become your go-to favorite year after year!
Ingredients you’ll need
Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities!
Ingredient notes
- Cream Cheese: I just used a regular old store-brand cream cheese. If using a cream cheese spread, you’ll need to chill the cream cheese before using (so don’t soften it).
- Cheddar: I used a medium variety, but feel free to use a sharp one. Monterey Jack or Gouda would be good substitutes.
- Cranberries: I used a sweetened variety, because the unsweetened ones are very tart. Feel free to use an unsweetened variety if you prefer, but just know that your cheeseball will lack the sweetness from the cranberries and be more on the tart side.
- Pecans: If you don’t have any pecans, chopped almonds or walnuts would be a good substitute. Feel free to toast the chopped nuts before adding them to the cheeseball for more flavor (let them cool down before adding them).
- Parsley: I like using parsley here because everyone in my family will eat it without complaints, and the cheeseball looks and tastes so much better with some fresh green herbiness. Feel free to use chopped green onions or chopped cilantro in place of the parsley if you want to go for a more pungent flavor.
How to make a festive cheeseball
Let’s make this cranberry pecan cheeseball together! It’s such an easy recipe, but it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a culinary genius when you serve it – trust me, your guests will be raving about it.
So grab your ingredients and let’s get started:
Step 1: Mix it all together. Start by combining all the cheeseball ingredients in a large mixing bowl: softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, finely chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley.
It’s best to use a spatula or even your hands (yes, it’s messy but so satisfying!) to really mix everything until it’s smooth and well combined. The cream cheese is like the glue that holds everything together, so make sure it’s nice and soft to make your life easier. Don’t forget to sneak a little taste – it’s already delicious!
Step 2: Shape it into a ball. Once everything is mixed, it’s time to get shaping. Gather the mixture in your hands and gently form it into a ball.
Pro tip: If the mixture feels too sticky to handle, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes to firm up a little. You can shape it into the classic round cheeseball or get creative and make a cone shape if you’re feeling festive – imagine a little cheeseball Christmas tree!
Step 3: Roll it in the toppings. Now for the fun part: the toppings! On a plate, spread out the chopped pecans, cranberries, and parsley for rolling. Gently press your cheeseball into the mixture, making sure to coat it all over. You want every bite to have that perfect crunch and pop of color.
If you’re making the Christmas tree version, you can decorate it with sliced almonds, whole cranberries, or even a little cheese star on top. Fancy, right?
Step 4: Serve and enjoy. Your cheeseball is ready to dazzle! Place it on a pretty platter with crackers, raw veggie sticks, or even some apple slices for dipping.
It’s best served fresh, but if you’re making it ahead, just keep it wrapped in foil in the fridge and roll it in extra toppings before serving to make it look nice and fresh.
Watch as everyone dives in and starts asking, “Who made this?” You can proudly say, “Oh, it was nothing!” (But we both know it’s everything.)
There you have it – a show-stopping cranberry pecan cheeseball that’s sure to become a new tradition at your table. Happy cooking!
Top tips for recipe success
Here are my favorite tips to make sure your cranberry pecan cheeseball turns out perfect every single time:
- Soften the cream cheese: This is key for easy mixing! Let it sit out for at least 30 minutes before starting. If you’re in a hurry, you can pop it in the microwave for about 10 seconds, but don’t let it melt.
- Chop everything finely: Smaller pieces of cranberries, pecans, and parsley blend better into the cheese mixture, making it easier to shape and giving each bite the perfect balance of flavors.
- Use a sharp cheddar: Trust me, the sharper the cheddar, the more flavor-packed your cheeseball will be. If you’re feeling adventurous, try Gouda or Monterey Jack for a twist.
- Chill if needed: If your mixture feels too soft to shape, don’t stress. Just pop it in the fridge for 10–15 minutes, and it’ll firm up beautifully.
- Toast the pecans: This step is optional, but if you have a few extra minutes, lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the mix will take the flavor to the next level. Just let them cool completely first!
- Keep it fresh: If you’re making this ahead, hold off on rolling it in the toppings until right before serving. This keeps the nuts crunchy and the cranberries vibrant.
Helpful recipe hints
Recipe variations
Here are some fun ways to switch up this cranberry pecan cheeseball and make it your own:
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for a little heat. Top with sliced jalapeños for an extra kick!
- Bacon lover’s dream: Crumble some crispy cooked bacon into the cheese mixture and roll the ball in extra bacon bits. Because bacon makes everything better, right?
- Fruit and nut delight: Try swapping the cranberries for finely chopped dried apricots or golden raisins, and use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. It’s like a cheeseball charcuterie board in one bite!
- Serve with variety: Crackers are classic, but don’t forget raw veggies, apple slices, or even pretzel sticks for dipping. Everyone loves options!
- Get creative with the shape: Want to wow your guests? Shape the cheeseball into a festive cone for a Christmas tree or try a log shape for easy slicing.
Make ahead and storage tips
Making this cheeseball ahead of time? Here’s the scoop: if you’re skipping the parsley, you can prep the cheeseball up to a day in advance. Just be aware that after a full day, the nuts might start to soften – and nobody wants that!
If you’re including parsley, I recommend making it no more than six hours ahead for the freshest flavor and prettiest presentation.
Once the cheeseball is ready, keep it tightly wrapped in foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. Right before serving, roll it in fresh toppings to make it look vibrant and irresistible.
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Wrap them up well and store them in the fridge for up to two days. Pro tip: leftovers are absolutely divine spread on a bagel or used as a creamy topping for baked potatoes. Trust me, you’ll be looking forward to them!
Serving ideas
- The Classic Crowd-Pleaser: Pair it with an assortment of crackers, from buttery Ritz to crispy water crackers, for an easy go-to appetizer everyone will love.
- Pretzel Perfection: Offer pretzel sticks or pretzel crisps for a salty, crunchy twist that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
- Bagel Bites Bonanza: Spread it on mini bagels or bagel chips for a fun brunch-worthy twist that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
- Charcuterie Companion: Add it to a charcuterie board alongside cured meats, olives, pickles, and other cheeses for a show-stopping centerpiece.
- DIY Sandwich Bar: Set out small rolls or slices of crusty bread so guests can build their own cheesy, nutty, and cranberry-filled sandwiches.
- Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Shape it into a Christmas tree or wreath and surround it with rosemary sprigs and cranberries for a stunning holiday table display.
More easy party dips
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram.
Printable recipe
Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
Recipe details
Ingredients
For the Cheeseball
- 12 oz softened cream cheese that's 1 ½ blocks
- 6 oz shredded cheddar
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup finely chopped dried cranberries
- ¼ cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley loosely packed
To Roll
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons chopped dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients for the cheeseball in a bowl and shape into a ball. Roll in chopped pecans, cranberries and parsley and serve with crackers and/or raw veggie sticks.
Notes
Ingredient notes
- Cream Cheese: Use regular softened cream cheese for the best texture. If using a cream cheese spread, chill it beforehand for easier mixing.
- Cheddar: A sharp cheddar packs more flavor, but medium cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack work great too.
- Cranberries: Sweetened cranberries are ideal for a hint of sweetness, but unsweetened ones add a tart twist.
- Pecans: Toasting pecans enhances their flavor but let them cool before mixing. Almonds or walnuts make excellent substitutes.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a mild, herby flavor. Substitute with green onions or cilantro for more pungency.
Recipe tips
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let cream cheese sit out for 30 minutes or microwave for 10 seconds (don’t let it melt!).
- Chop Finely: Smaller pieces of mix-ins blend better and make shaping easier.
- Chill If Sticky: Refrigerate the mixture for 10–15 minutes if it’s too soft to shape.
- Fresh Toppings: Roll in fresh nuts, cranberries, and parsley just before serving for vibrant presentation.
- Shape Creatively: Try a cone for a festive tree or a log for easy slicing.
Make ahead/storage
- Make Ahead: Without parsley, prepare up to 1 day ahead. With parsley, make no more than 6 hours in advance.
- Storage: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Leftovers: Use leftovers as a spread for bagels or a topping for baked potatoes – they’re delicious!
Nutrition
More recipe information
Recipe first published 12/23/2020. Updated with new photos and text on 12/11/2024.
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