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