Sweet, spicy, creamy, crunchy, and pretty. Cranberry Cheese Ball is all the things and perfect for your next get-together.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
This Cranberry Cheese Ball is a beautiful ball of flavor combination. Jalapeno brings a little heat to the party, chewy dried sweet tart cranberries bring the sweet chew. Crunchy pecans coat the outside along with fresh parsley and green onion.
There's not many flavors this cheeseball doesn't deliver when you bring this perfect appetizer to holiday parties. Put a box of crackers alongside it and watch it disappear.
With a few simple ingredients, this cheese ball is perfect for the Holiday season. It's an easy appetizer with a colorful and festive twist to the classic cheese ball. Yours will be a standout on the holiday spread.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese, softened
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, grated
- Jalapeno, minced
- Cranberries, dried--divided
- Green Onions, sliced--divided
- Parsley, minced--divided
- Tony Chachere's
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Pecans, chopped
- Favorite Crackers, Tortilla Chips, and/or Vegetables for serving
How to make Cranberry Cheese Ball
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, jalapenos, cranberries, green onions, parsley, Tony's, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Use a hand mixer if preferred.
- Form the cream cheese mixture into a ball shape. Place two large pieces of plastic wrap in a cross pattern on your countertop. Put the cheese ball in the center of the plastic wrap. Use the edges of the plastic wrap to form a round ball. Wrap and refrigerate for 2 or more hours. Overnight works nicely.
- Shape the cheese ball a bit more by rolling the ball of cheese on a flat surface while it's still cold and wrapped in plastic.
- On a shallow dish, spread the reserved shredded cheese, reserved green onions, parsley, and cranberries. Roll the cheese ball into the nut mixture to cover with an even layer on the outside.
- Place the formed ball on a serving plate and surround it with plenty of different dippers.
Top Tips
Room-temperature cream cheese is essential for a smooth dip with no chunks of plain cream cheese.
Substitutions and Variations
Cranberry Cheese Dip--Skip the steps in making this dip into a ball. Instead spread it into a shallow bowl and garnish with crushed pecans, green onions, parsley, and cranberries.
Mix up the Cheese--Mix up your shredded cheese game. Different kinds of cheese add variety. Try Blue Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese, Pepper Jack Cheese, or another favorite in place of the Cheddar cheese. Use any kind of Doritos you like.
Mini Cheese Balls--shape into small balls and roll in the coating mixture. Then place a pretzel stick in the top for everyone to have their own cheese ball.
Orange Cheese Balls--Add a little minced candied orange peel for a beautiful citrus twist.
Storage
Store leftover Cranberry Cheese Ball in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. I've been known to eat any leftovers for breakfast the next day.
Can Cheese Balls Be Frozen?
Cheese balls freeze well in a freezer-safe container. Or wrap the cheese ball in one plastic wrap layer, then one aluminum foil. Freeze for up to four weeks. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Other Appetizers to Try
If you're looking for other great appetizer recipes consider trying one of these favorites:
- Nacho Cheese Ball
- Crack Corn Dip Recipe
- Corn Dip with Cream Cheese
- Buffalo Chicken Dip Bites
- Dill Pickle Cheese Ball
Pairing
Did You Try This Recipe?
Lastly, if you made Cranberry Cheese Ball following this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a 5-star rating!
I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.
And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!
Food Safety
- Wash hands before cooking
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- See more guidelines at USDA.gov
Cranberry Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese softened
- 2 cups Sharp White Cheddar grated
- 1 medium Jalapeno minced
- ¾ cup Cranberries dried, divided
- 2 Green Onions sliced, divided
- 2 Tablespoons Parsley minced, divided
- ½ teaspoon Tony Chachere's
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ¾ cup Pecans chopped
- Crackers and/or vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, jalapenos, cranberries, green onions, parsley, Tony's, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Form the cream cheese mixture into a ball shape. Place two long pieces of plastic wrap in a cross pattern on your countertop. Put the cheese ball in the center of the plastic wrap. Use the sides of the plastic wrap to form a round ball. Wrap and refrigerate for 2 or more hours. Overnight works nicely.
- Shape the cheese ball a bit more by rolling it on a flat surface while it's still cold and wrapped in plastic.
- On a medium plate, spread the reserved shredded cheese, reserved green onions, parsley, and cranberries. Roll the cheese ball into the Dorito and cheese mixture to cover with an even layer on the outside.
- Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and surround it with plenty of different dippers.
Chuckie
I love cheese balls and this one is one of my favorites! I love it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any gathering throughout the year!