Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls Recipe

The holidays just wouldn’t be the same without a creamy, tangy, and nutty cheese ball centerpiece to kick off the celebration. These Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls bring together the best of both worlds—sweet dried cranberries, crunchy toasted pecans, and smooth cream cheese—for a perfect make-ahead appetizer that looks as festive as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving dinner, preparing a Christmas party spread, or just want an easy yet elegant snack for family gatherings, these bite-sized delights are sure to impress.

This recipe was inspired by the classic Southern-style cheese ball tradition, where creamy cheese mixtures are rolled in nuts for texture and flavor. But this modern twist—infused with cranberries and herbs—offers a bright, festive look and a balanced mix of sweet and savory notes that will have guests reaching for seconds.

---

Ingredients

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 16 oz (2 packages) cream cheese, softened

• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

• ½ cup finely chopped green onions

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

• ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

For the Coating:

• 1 cup toasted pecans, finely chopped

• ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley (for color and freshness)

For Serving:

• Assorted crackers

• Fresh vegetable sticks (celery, carrots, bell pepper)

• Apple or pear slices

---

Directions

1. Prepare the Base

Start by letting your cream cheese sit at room temperature until it’s soft and easy to mix. This step ensures a smooth texture and helps all the ingredients combine evenly. In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, blend until the mixture is creamy and fully combined. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar provides both a rich texture and a tangy bite—the perfect foundation for your cheese balls.

2. Add Flavor and Sweetness

Stir in the green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and honey (if using). These seasonings add depth, balancing the natural sweetness of the cranberries and the saltiness of the cheese. Once the mixture is seasoned, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries. Each bite will have a little burst of sweetness that pairs beautifully with the creamy and savory base.

3. Chill the Mixture

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until the mixture is firm enough to shape. Chilling not only helps the flavors meld but also makes the cheese easier to handle and roll into small, neat balls later on.

4. Prepare the Coating

While the cheese mixture chills, toast your pecans if you haven’t already. To toast, spread the pecans on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, or until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. Let them cool completely, then chop them finely and combine with chopped dried cranberries and parsley in a shallow dish. This colorful coating adds crunch, visual appeal, and a balance of flavors.

5. Shape the Cheese Balls

Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using a small cookie scoop or tablespoon, portion the mixture into small balls—roughly 1 inch in diameter. Roll each portion between your palms until smooth and round. You should get about 20–24 cheese balls depending on size.

6. Coat the Cheese Balls

Roll each cheese ball in the pecan-cranberry-parsley coating until evenly covered. Press gently to help the coating stick. The mixture of deep red cranberries, golden pecans, and bright green parsley gives these cheese balls a festive, jewel-like appearance that will shine on any appetizer platter.

7. Chill Before Serving

Once all the cheese balls are coated, arrange them on a serving platter or in an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend beautifully. These cheese balls can be made up to 24 hours in advance, making them perfect for stress-free entertaining.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Serve chilled or at room temperature with an assortment of crackers, vegetable sticks, and fresh fruit slices. The creamy, tangy cheese contrasts wonderfully with the crunchy nuts and the subtle sweetness of cranberries, making each bite satisfying and memorable.

---

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 25 minutes

• Cook Time: 5 minutes (to toast nuts)

• Chill Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

• Total Time: 2 hours

• Yield: 20–24 mini cheese balls

---

Notes

• Make Ahead: You can make these cheese balls up to two days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and roll them in the nut coating just before serving for the freshest look and crunch.

• Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with finely crushed pretzels or sunflower seeds if you’re serving guests with nut allergies.

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack for a little heat, or goat cheese for a tangier flavor.

• Serving Tip: Arrange your cheese balls in a wreath shape for a stunning holiday platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs and a few extra cranberries for a festive touch.

• Leftovers: Store leftover cheese balls in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve them as a snack spread on toast, bagels, or even as a sandwich filling.

---

The Perfect Holiday Appetizer

These Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls aren’t just a treat for the palate—they’re a feast for the eyes. Their ruby-red cranberries and green herbs mirror the festive colors of the season, while the smooth, creamy cheese base provides a comforting, indulgent bite that embodies everything we love about holiday gatherings. They’re the kind of appetizer that gets people talking—simple to make, beautiful to serve, and bursting with flavor.

Because they can be prepared ahead of time, these cheese balls take the stress out of entertaining. You can roll them in the morning and let them chill while you handle other dishes or decorations. They’re also easy to transport, making them ideal for potlucks, office parties, or family dinners.

---

Tips for the Best Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls

1. Choose the Right Cheese

A sharp cheddar balances the sweetness of cranberries beautifully, while cream cheese keeps the texture smooth and spreadable. For extra complexity, you can mix in a bit of gouda or white cheddar.

2. Chop Ingredients Finely

Finely chopping your cranberries, nuts, and herbs ensures an even coating and makes the cheese balls easier to roll. It also creates a more refined texture and consistent flavor in every bite.

3. Toast the Nuts

Toasting enhances the flavor of pecans and brings out their natural oils, giving your cheese balls a rich, nutty aroma. Just be careful not to over-toast, as burnt nuts can overpower the delicate cheese flavor.

4. Let the Flavors Develop

Cheese balls taste even better after chilling for a few hours. The ingredients meld together, and the seasoning deepens, creating a perfectly balanced taste.

5. Customize for Every Occasion

This recipe isn’t limited to the holidays. For a spring brunch, try swapping cranberries for dried apricots or cherries. For summer gatherings, mix in fresh herbs like dill or chives for a lighter flavor.

---

Creative Ways to Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls

• On a Grazing Board: Arrange mini cheese balls alongside charcuterie, fruits, nuts, and crackers. They add color and variety to any board.

• Individual Servings: Place one cheese ball per appetizer skewer or in mini cupcake liners for easy, mess-free serving at parties.

• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with crisp apple slices, grapes, or pears to enhance the sweet-savory contrast.

• As a Spread: If you prefer a single large cheese ball, form the mixture into one big ball and serve with a cheese knife. It’s just as beautiful and just as tasty.

---

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons these Sweet & Savory Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls will become your new favorite appetizer. First, they rely on simple ingredients you probably already have on hand—cream cheese, cheddar, dried cranberries, and pecans. There’s nothing fancy or expensive here, just everyday pantry staples that come together to create something truly special.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it requires no cooking beyond a quick nut toasting. That means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your guests. The cheese balls can also be made ahead, which makes them perfect for parties and busy holiday schedules. You can prep them the night before, chill, and simply roll them in the coating before serving.

These cheese balls are also highly customizable—adjust the herbs, add a bit of heat with crushed red pepper, or swap cranberries for other dried fruits. And finally, their beautiful presentation makes them shine on any appetizer table. With their festive colors and elegant appearance, they’ll always impress your guests while keeping entertaining stress-free.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture and shape the balls up to two days ahead. Keep them refrigerated and roll them in the coating just before serving for the freshest texture.

2. Can I freeze cheese balls?
You can freeze them before coating. Shape the cheese mixture into balls, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze until firm. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then coat before serving.

3. What are the best crackers to serve with these cheese balls?
They pair well with buttery crackers, multigrain crisps, or pretzel thins. For a lighter option, serve with sliced cucumbers or bell peppers.

4. Can I make one large cheese ball instead of minis?
Absolutely! Just form the mixture into one large ball, roll it in the pecan-cranberry coating, and chill before serving. It’s great for buffets or holiday tables.

Print