The Zingy Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Recipe Everyone Loves

Whipping up a delightful cranberry pecan cream cheese ball brings instant joy to any gathering.

Festive flavors dance together in this creamy appetizer that looks impressive yet comes together effortlessly.

Soft cream cheese serves as the perfect canvas for tart cranberries and crunchy pecans.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a crowd-pleasing starter that sparks conversation.

Guests will marvel at the beautiful presentation and rich combination of textures.

Simple ingredients combine to make something extraordinary that feels both elegant and comforting.

You’ll want to serve this at every holiday celebration or potluck.

Dive in and watch this appetizer become the star of your next event.

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Loaded With Flavor

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a stunning appetizer that impresses guests without complex cooking skills.
• Flavor Explosion: Blend sweet cranberries, crunchy pecans, and tangy cream cheese create a mouthwatering combination that dances on your taste buds.
• Stress-Free Prep: Mix ingredients, shape, chill, and roll – no fancy techniques required, making this recipe perfect for home cooks at any skill level.
• Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Ideal for holiday gatherings, game day parties, potlucks, or casual weekend snacking with friends and family.

Ingredients In Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: A smooth and creamy foundation that provides a rich texture for the cheese ball.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and tangy flavor to complement the cream cheese.

• Cranberries: Bring a tart and festive touch to the cheese ball.
• Pecans: Offer a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the mixture and coating.

• Orange Zest: Provides a bright and citrusy note to the cheese ball.
• Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory ingredients.

• Cinnamon, Salt, Pepper: Create a warm and balanced seasoning profile that enhances the overall flavor of the cheese ball.

Making Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Step By Step

Step 1: Blend Creamy Ingredients

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Fresh orange zest
• Honey
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Pepper

Whip everything together using a hand mixer until the mixture transforms into a silky smooth consistency.

The blending process helps marry all the delicious flavors together.

Step 2: Sculpt Cheese Ball Magic

Transfer the creamy mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap.

Gently mold the mixture into a round ball using your hands or a spoon. Wrap the plastic wrap snugly around the cheese creation.

Pop it into the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to dance and develop while helping the cheese ball firm up perfectly.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Exterior

Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the ball generously in additional chopped pecans.

You can completely cover the surface or leave some spots exposed for a rustic, homemade appearance. The pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 4: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the finished cheese ball to a beautiful serving platter. Accompany it with crisp crackers, sliced apples, or crusty bread.

Watch as your guests dive into this irresistible appetizer that blends sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.

Tips To Nail Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free texture without using a mixer.
• Finely and consistently chop cranberries and pecans to distribute flavors evenly and create a balanced bite in every serving.
• Pat dried cranberries with paper towels to remove excess moisture and prevent the cheese ball from becoming too wet or runny.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add a subtle roasted undertone to the cheese ball.
• Prepare the cheese ball up to 2-3 days in advance and store in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to develop and making party prep easier.

Different Takes On Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

• Goat Cheese Variation: Replace cream cheese with tangy goat cheese for a sharper, more robust flavor profile. Use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a different fruity accent.
• Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh chopped rosemary and thyme to enhance the savory notes. Swap honey for minced garlic to create a more Mediterranean-inspired cheese ball.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew-based cream cheese as a plant-based substitute. Incorporate chopped almonds for coating and dried blueberries for a unique berry element.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute honey with a sugar-free sweetener. Use almond flour as a binding agent and mix in crumbled bacon for extra protein and flavor complexity.

Pairing Suggestions To Enjoy With Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

Select crisp water crackers or buttery wheat thins that complement the creamy texture and nutty pecans, providing a satisfying crunch with every bite.

Choose a light-bodied white wine like Riesling or Pinot Grigio, whose subtle sweetness and crisp acidity balance the rich cream cheese and enhance the cranberry’s tartness.

Arrange fresh apple slices, pear wedges, or grapes around the cheese ball to add brightness, cleanse the palate, and create a visually appealing presentation that highlights the cheese’s festive flavors.

Serve with chilled sparkling apple cider or prosecco, which cuts through the cheese’s richness and provides a celebratory touch that elevates the entire appetizer experience.

Storing Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Safely

• Store the cheese ball in an airtight container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap for up to 5 days. Keep it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavors. Gently reshape if needed and roll in fresh pecans for extra crunch.
• Slice leftover cheese ball into wedges for quick snacks or crumble over salads for an unexpected flavor boost.

FAQs

• Is the cranberry pecan cream cheese ball suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it contains dairy products, nuts, and no meat ingredients.

• Can I make this cheese ball in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2-3 days before serving and store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.

• What type of cream cheese works best for this recipe?

Use full-fat, block-style cream cheese at room temperature for the smoothest and most consistent texture in your cheese ball.

• How do I know if the cream cheese is properly softened?

The cream cheese should be soft enough to mix easily without lumps, typically after sitting at room temperature for about 30-45 minutes.

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Creamy cranberry pecan cream cheese ball brings festive cheer to holiday gatherings with its perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors. Guests will savor each bite of this elegant appetizer that pairs beautifully with crisp crackers and sparkling conversation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for coating)
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped

Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Seasoning:

• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate softened cream cheese with cheddar, finely diced cranberries, crushed pecans, vibrant orange zest, golden honey, warm cinnamon, delicate salt, and cracked pepper.
2. Whisk ingredients thoroughly until achieving a velvety, homogeneous consistency, utilizing a hand mixer if cream cheese remains dense.
3. Transfer the blended mixture onto a plastic wrap sheet, sculpting into a compact spherical form using gentle hand motions or a utensil.
4. Encase the cheese sphere completely with plastic wrap, ensuring a tight seal, and refrigerate for 1-2 hours to harmonize flavors and enhance structural integrity.
5. After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and generously roll its exterior in additional chopped pecans, creating a rustic or completely encrusted presentation.
6. Arrange the nutty-coated creation on an elegant serving platter, accompanied by crisp crackers, thinly sliced apples, or artisan bread for a sophisticated appetizer experience.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese at room temperature ensures smooth, easy mixing without lumps.
• Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the cheese ball.
• Finely chop cranberries to distribute flavor evenly and prevent large chunks that might disrupt the creamy texture.
• For a lower-fat version, swap full-fat cream cheese with reduced-fat or Greek yogurt cream cheese alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg