Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball | The Recipe Critic

This festive cranberry pecan cheese ball is an easy appetizer for the holiday season! Everyone will love this creamy cheese ball loaded with delicious texture from the dried cranberries and pecans. Serve this impressive appetizer with crackers and enjoy!

Ingredients Needed

This cranberry pecan cheese ball uses 7 simple ingredients, it is packed full of flavor. The combination of cream cheese and white cheddar cheese is a delicious contrast to the sweetness of the dried cranberries. Finish it off with crunchy pecans then you have a winning Christmas appetizer!

• Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is best!
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Seasons the cheese ball perfectly.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese: If you’ve never had white cheddar cheese, it is incredible…especially in this recipe!
• Green Onions: Fresh chopped green onions add flavor and a pop of color.
• Dried Cranberries: Adds a sweet soft texture to the cheese ball!
• Pecans: Rolling the cheese ball in crunchy pecans adds flavor and texture.

Let’s Make a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball!

Whip up this easy appetizer in 10 minutes! It’s important to use softened cream cheese so your cheese ball mixes easily! This is a perfect recipe for making ahead of time and your guests will love this recipe!

1. Beat: Using an electric hand mixer, beat the cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder in a large bowl.
2. Combine: Add the cheese, green onions, and ¾ cup dried cranberries to the cream cheese mixture.
3. Mix: Mix until incorporated well into the cream cheese mixture.
4. Shape and Refrigerate: Shape the mixture into a ball using plastic wrap to make it easy! Cover and chill refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour.
5. Roll in Pecans: Place the chopped pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball over the pecans and coat the outside of the cheese ball evenly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Add on the remaining ¼ cup dried cranberries and additional green onions to add color! Serve with crackers and enjoy!

Sweet and Savory Cheese Balls to Try!

Did you know that cheese balls can be either savory or sweet? They are a perfect appetizer or a fun twist on a dessert. I can’t wait for you to try some of my favorites!