If you’re looking for that one show-stopping dish to steal the spotlight at your next holiday gathering, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball with Crackers is it. Creamy, tangy, nutty, and just the right amount of sweet—this cheese ball hits every flavor note with ease. It’s everything you want in a holiday snack: quick to prep, easy to make ahead, and irresistibly scoopable with a sturdy cracker. Whether you're building a Christmas charcuterie board, planning some easy finger foods for Christmas Eve, or in charge of the Christmas dinner appetizers, this one will become your new favorite holiday go-to.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball with Crackers
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Mixing bowl A medium to large-sized bowl for combining everything
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon To mix the cheeses thoroughly
Plastic wrap To help shape and chill the cheese ball
Small skillet or toaster oven To toast the pecans for added depth of flavor
Sharp knife For chopping the cranberries, nuts, and herbs
For the Cheese Ball Base
- 16 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup goat cheese or feta, for a saltier flavor
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mix-ins
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ½ cup pecans finely chopped and toasted
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely sliced
For the Coating
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ⅓ cup toasted pecans chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional for a pop of color
To Serve
- Assorted crackers: Think multigrain water crackers, or butter rounds
Optional extras: celery sticks, apple slices, or pretzel rods for variety
Toast the Pecans
Place your chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently for about 4–5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Remove and let cool.
Combine the Cheese Base
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, goat cheese, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Mix until creamy and fully combined.
Fold in the Flavor
Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and fresh chives. Mix gently to distribute everything evenly throughout the cheese mixture.
Shape the Cheese Ball
Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and scoop the cheese mixture into the center. Using the wrap, form it into a round ball. Twist the ends of the plastic wrap to tighten and shape. Chill for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to firm up.
Roll and Coat
Before serving, unwrap the cheese ball. On a plate, mix together the coating ingredients: chopped cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture until fully coated, pressing lightly to adhere.
Serve with Style
Transfer to a serving platter and surround with your favorite crackers, pretzels, and fresh-cut veggies. If you're going for a Christmas charcuterie board, nestle the cheese ball among sliced meats, other cheeses, fruits, and nuts for a festive look.
Pairings
This cheese ball pairs beautifully with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled glass of sparkling Prosecco. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic pairing, cranberry juice with a splash of seltzer complements the tart cranberries in the cheese ball.
For a Christmas party fingerfood spread, consider serving this cheese ball alongside bacon-wrapped dates, mini meatballs, or puff pastry pinwheels. It's also an ideal anchor for a simple Christmas appetizer lineup featuring store-bought dips, nuts, and olives.
Don’t forget a variety of textures and flavors on your platter—add something sweet like fig jam or a drizzle of honey nearby to enhance the richness of the cheeses.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, making it ahead gives the flavors time to meld. Just keep it wrapped in plastic and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the outer coating right before serving for the freshest presentation.
2. What type of cream cheese should I use?
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. Low-fat can work in a pinch but tends to be less creamy and more watery.
3. Are there alternatives to goat cheese?
Yes! If you're not a fan of goat cheese, swap it for feta for a similar tangy profile, or add more cheddar for a milder flavor. Blue cheese is also a bold option if you're feeling adventurous.
4. Can I use different nuts?
Definitely. Walnuts or almonds can substitute pecans. Just make sure they're chopped small and toasted to enhance flavor and crunch.
5. What crackers go best with this cheese ball?
Sturdy crackers like multigrain, water crackers, or even buttery Ritz-style crackers work great. For gluten-free options, try rice crackers or seed-based varieties.
