Description
A festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball that blends creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans for a perfect no-bake holiday appetizer. Elegant, easy, and ready in just 15 minutes of prep time!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional garnish: extra chopped pecans, powdered sugar, fresh chives, or sea salt
- Optional substitutions: mascarpone, Greek yogurt, cheddar, walnuts, or nutmeg for variations
Instructions
- Gather ingredients and ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, Parmesan cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until evenly combined.
- Transfer mixture to plastic wrap and shape into a round ball using the wrap as a guide.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
- Before serving, roll cheese ball in extra chopped pecans and cranberries for garnish.
- Let sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes for easier spreading. Serve with crackers, bread slices, or fresh fruit.
Notes
This cheese ball can be made up to 5 days in advance. For a lighter version, use half Greek yogurt and half cream cheese. To make vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and maple syrup instead of sugar. Store tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 1 month.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of cheese ball
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cranberry, pecan, cheese ball, holiday appetizer, no-bake, party snack