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Best Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe: Perfect Holiday Entertaining

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!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. Gather ingredients and ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for smooth mixing.
  2. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, Parmesan cheese, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix until evenly combined.
  3. Transfer mixture to plastic wrap and shape into a round ball using the wrap as a guide.
  4. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor and texture.
  5. Before serving, roll cheese ball in extra chopped pecans and cranberries for garnish.
  6. 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.