Cranberry Cheese Ball
The Cranberry Cheese Ball is a holiday classic that never goes out of style! Creamy cheeses, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans come together for the perfect mix of savory and sweet.
This Cranberry Cheese Ball is festive and can be the “star” on a BIG BOARD for winter months. I love this cheese spread recipe, and how you can make it ahead and have it ready for a party. It’s also perfect for an Ugly Sweater Party or cozy Christmas gatherings. Timeless, easy, and so delightful–it’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Cranberry Cheese Ball
Made with several kinds of cheeses, honey, and nuts–it’s the best served with Ritz crackers. Sort of an old-fashioned cheese ball recipe that is loved by all.
Why I love this recipe
- Everyone loves a holiday cheese ball!
- Easy to make ahead.
- You can mix up the cheeses with your favorite flavors.
Gather these ingredients
- Cream cheese – softened
- Sharp cheddar cheese – shredded
- Blue cheese – crumbled
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cranberries – dried, finely chopped + a few extra for garnish
- Pecans – finely chopped, divided
- Green onions – finely chopped
- Rosemary – for garnish around the cheese ball
How to make a Cranberry Cheese Ball
- Combine (in a large mixing bowl) the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and the blue cheese and mix well with a spatula until smooth.
- Add the honey, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt and pepper and mix well.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, ¼ cup chopped pecans, and green onions to the cheese mixture.
- Stir with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated together.
- Form the mixture into a ball using your hands and roll the cheese ball in the remaining ¼ cup chopped pecans to evenly coat it.
- Transfer to a serving platter.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
- Garnish with a few sprinkles of chopped cranberries on top.
- Serve with crackers or your favorite bread and enjoy!
Tips & substitutions
- Swap out the Sharp Cheddar with Gouda or Gruyere cheese.
- Optional to leave out the blue cheese (if you are not a blue cheese fan).
- Don’t like pecans? Use walnuts or pistachios instead.
- If you don’t love dried cranberries, try chopped dried cherries or other dried fruit like apricots.
Serving suggestions
Great appetizer to serve before prime rib dinner with smashed potatoes, hot honey brussels sprouts, cranberry salad and chocolate roll cake.
Storage
Store the Cranberry Cheese Ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Check out these other BIG BOARD holiday appetizers while you’re here
- Winter Brie Charcuterie Board
- Christmas Wreath Charcuterie Board
- How to make a Christmas Charcuterie Board
Get the Recipe:
Cranberry Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup blue cheese crumbles
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped + a few extra for garnish
- ½ cup chopped finely pecans, divided
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions, finely chopped
- Rosemary, for garnish around the cheese ball
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and the blue cheese and mix well with a spatula until smooth.
- Add the honey, Dijon mustard, onion powder, salt and pepper, and mix well.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, and green onions to the cheese mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the mixture into a ball using your hands and roll the cheese ball in the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pecans to coat. Transfer to a serving platter.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld. Garnish with a few sprinkles of chopped cranberries on top. Serve with crackers or your favorite bread.
Hello and welcome to my home and table!
I’m Sandy—lover of food, family, cooking, THE BIG BOARD, travel, and bringing people together. Through great recipes and connection around the table, we become better, stronger, and more courageous people. Feasting on Life is real, and every time we do it, we grow a little more. Read more...
