Perfect for make-ahead entertaining, this cranberry cheese ball recipe is a show-stopping holiday appetizer! The creamy goat cheese blends beautifully with hints of cinnamon and honey, while the coating of crunchy pecans, tart cranberries, and fresh parsley adds the perfect festive touch.
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Test Kitchen
Ellie
This was a huge hit for our Thanksgiving potluck at work! Even people who said they don’t like goat cheese loved it and two asked me for the recipe haha. It’s the perfect holiday appetizer, next time I want to try it with cherries and pistachios!
Looking for the perfect holiday appetizer? This cranberry cheese ball recipe is easy, festive, and a huge hit with any crowd. Each bite is creamy, sweet, tangy, and packed with a delightful crunch from toasted pecans. It checks all the right boxes and is sure to disappear fast! You can even make them into mini cranberry goat cheese balls if you prefer them to be bite sized.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Cheese Ball Recipe
Craving even more cranberry recipes? We’ve got you covered! Check out our retro cranberry jello salad, easy cranberry orange sauce, and these festive cranberry brie bites!
Key Ingredients
Below you will find helpful notes for key ingredients used to make this cranberry cheese ball recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and exact amounts!
- Goat Cheese: Feta also works, if preferred, but the tangy goat cheese flavor is tamed by the creamy cheese and other ingredients… Most goat cheese haters *love* this cheese ball and have no idea it’s made with goat cheese!
- Cream Cheese: We recommend using regular, full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Make sure it is fully softened before beginning, so it combines well with the other cheeses.
- Cinnamon: A little goes a long way. The goal here is to warm things up just a little to give depth to the bright, tangy cranberries.
- Honey: We add a little inside the cheese ball to add a little sweetness, but it also makes a fabulous garnish! You could also use maple syrup, or agave, in place of the honey.
- Nuts: You can use diced pecans, pistachios, or walnuts, or a combo of both.
- Dried Cranberries: Not a cranberry fan? Dried cherries or dried apricots also work great!
How to Make a Cranberry Cheese Ball
Using simple ingredients, this appetizer won’t break the bank, but it will make a big impression. Below is a quick recipe overview, but please scroll to the recipe card below for the full instructions or to watch the step-by-step recipe video!
- Make the cheese mixture: Beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon, and honey. Fold in 1/2 cup nuts.
- Roll and chill: Cut a big piece of plastic wrap! Place the cheese ball in the center, then pull the wrap together to fully cover it. Place in the fridge for at least 1 hour. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will meld and combine!
- Roll it: Line your countertop with parchment paper to avoid a big mess. Toss together the remaining pecans, cranberries, and parsley. Unwrap the cheese ball, then roll in the topping until fully coated.
- Enjoy: Serve it on a plate and drizzle with extra honey on top, if desired!
Chef’s Tips & Variations
- Use Feta Instead: For a saltier, tangier option, swap the goat cheese with feta. It will also pair well with the honey and cranberries.
- Toast the Pecans: Lightly toast the pecans in a dry pan for a deeper, nuttier taste.
- Add Orange Zest: Mix in 1 to 2 teaspoons of fresh orange zest for a citrusy note that pairs beautifully with the cranberries.
- Don’t Skip Chilling: This cranberry cheese ball needs to sit in the fridge for at least one hour. Don’t rush this process! It’s important to let the flavors meld, but also to allow it time to firm up.
- Shape It Differently: Instead of a ball, shape it into a log for even easier slicing and serving.
- Add Garlic: A pinch of garlic powder adds a subtle savory note that complements the cheese.
How to Serve a Cranberry Cheese Ball
- Dippers: You’ll need to serve this Christmas cheese ball with some tasty dippers like crackers, crostini, low carb crackers, bagel chips, pita chips, or pretzel chips. For a savory pairing, we really love to serve it with garlic bagel chips.
- More Apps: It’s not a party unless you’ve got a few appetizers out, right? More of my favorite holiday appetizers include hot spinach dip, crockpot bbq meatballs, and these cheesy sausage balls!
Make Ahead, Storing, and Freezing
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Roll it in the pecans, cranberries, and parsley just before serving for the best presentation.
- Storing: Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The parsley may lose its vibrant color, but the flavors will still be great.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cheese ball (without the outer coating) for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the topping and serving.
Yield: 16 servings (1 cheese ball)
Cranberry Cheese Ball
Perfect for make-ahead entertaining, this cranberry cheese ball recipe is a festive holiday appetizer! Every bite combines creamy goat cheese, tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of honey.
Ingredients
- 10 oz goat cheese, or feta cheese
- 6 oz cream cheese
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3 tablespoons honey, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup diced pecans or walnuts, divided
- ½ cup diced dried cranberries, or dried cherries
- ¼ cup minced fresh parsley
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Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat together the goat cheese, cream cheese, cinnamon and honey until light and fluffy. Fold in 1/2 cup pecans.
- Cut a large piece of plastic wrap. Place the cheese ball in the center, and pull the wrap together to make a ball. Place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Line your countertop with parchment paper. Toss together the remaining pecans, dried cranberries, and parsley in the center of the parchment paper. Unwrap the cheese ball, and roll in the topping until coated.
- Place on a serving plate and drizzle with extra honey, if desired. Serve with crackers, toasted baguettes, bagel chips, pita chips, or pretzel chips.
Video
Notes
Make Ahead: Prepare the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance and keep it wrapped in plastic wrap in the fridge. Roll it in the pecans, cranberries, and parsley just before serving for the best presentation.
Store: Transfer any leftover cheese ball to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The parsley will loose its vibrant color over time, but the cheese ball will still taste great!
Freeze: Freeze the cheese ball (without the outer coating) for up to a month. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer safe bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the topping and serving!
Nutrition
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 151kcal, Carbohydrates: 8g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 19mg, Sodium: 99mg, Potassium: 54mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 409IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 1mg
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