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
- Cranberries, dried - chopped and divided
- Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, grated - divided
- Green Onions, sliced - divided
- Parsley, minced - divided
- Cream Cheese, softened
- Tony Chachere's - or other seasoning salt
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Garlic Powder
- Jalapeno, minced
- Pecans, chopped - set aside for coating
- Favorite Crackers, Tortilla Chips, and/or Vegetables for serving
How to make Cranberry Cheese Ball
- In a medium bowl, combine ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries, 1 Tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1 Tablespoon chopped green onions. Place in the refrigerator for the final coating.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese with Tony Chachere's, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Use a hand mixer if preferred.
- Stir in jalapeños, remaining shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, parsley, and chopped green onion.
- Place cream cheese mixture in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
- 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.
- Stir the chopped pecans into the medium bowl with coating toppings. Roll the cheese ball into the pecan coating to cover with an even layer on the outside. Pressing it into the toppings lightly to get it to stick.
- 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.
Cranberry 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
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine ¼ cup chopped dried cranberries, ⅓ cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 Tablespoon of chopped parsley, 1 Tablespoon chopped green onions. Place in the refrigerator for the final coating.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese with Tony Chachere's, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until well combined. Use a hand mixer if preferred.
- Stir in jalapeños, remaining shredded cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, parsley, and chopped green onion.
- Place cream cheese mixture in the fridge for an hour to firm up.
- 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.
- Stir the chopped pecans into the medium bowl with coating toppings. Roll the cheese ball into the pecan coating to cover with an even layer on the outside. Pressing it into the toppings lightly to get it to stick.
- Place the formed ball on a serving plate and surround it with plenty of different dippers.
Chuckie says
I love cheese balls and this one is one of my favorites! I love it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and any gathering throughout the year!
Tracy Lee says
Cheeseballs are one of my favorite foods to snack on and this recipe is a hit!!
Chuckie says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you! 🙂
Chuckie says
Yay!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed this one. 🙂