Cranberry Cheese Ball

Total Time
Prep: 15 min. + chilling

Updated on Oct. 11, 2024

This cranberry cheese ball is a classic party snack all your guests will love.

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For your next dinner party, consider serving this cranberry cheese ball. This fun, retro appetizer is bound to put a smile on everyone’s faces. A cranberry cheese ball is equal parts creamy, sweet and crunchy and made primarily of two types of cheese, dried cranberries, peppers and pecans. Plus, this dish is easy to execute, requiring you to simply combine the ingredients, shape it into a ball and refrigerate until firm. Serve your cheese ball with plenty of crackers, toast or fruit—or, better yet, a spread of all three. 

Ingredients for Cranberry Cheese Ball

  • Cream cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is softened before using (allow it to sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes).
  • Gorgonzola: You could use any good-quality, sharp cheese like white cheddar or Gruyere.
  • Dried cranberries: Dried cranberries add an elemental tanginess and sweetness to this dish.
  • Onion, celery, green pepper and sweet red pepper: Take the time to finely chop all your veggies (or put them in a food processor).
  • Hot pepper sauce: Learn how to make your own hot sauce here.
  • Chopped pecans: Substitute for your favorite type of nuts if you’d prefer.
  • Assorted crackers: We like serving a cheese ball with a variety of crackers (it makes for a more eye-catching presentation).

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients

combining the ingredients in a mixing bowl.KRISTINA VÄNNI for Taste of Home

In a small bowl, combine the cheeses. Stir in the cranberries, vegetables and pepper sauce.

Step 2: Shape the cheese ball

shaping the ball in plastic wrap.KRISTINA VÄNNI for Taste of Home

Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic.

Step 3: Refrigerate

wrapped cheese ball prepped for refrigeration.KRISTINA VÄNNI for Taste of Home

Refrigerate your cranberry cheese ball for one hour or until it’s firm.

Step 4: Prepare to serve

Cranberry Cheese BallKRISTINA VÄNNI for Taste of Home

Roll the cheese ball in the pecans. Serve it with crackers, toast or another dipping vehicle.

Cranberry Cheese BallKRISTINA VÄNNI for Taste of Home

Cranberry Cheese Ball Variations

  • Use fresh herbs: We also like adding 1 tablespoon or so of chopped rosemary or parsley to a cranberry cheese ball.
  • Add bacon: A bit of cooked bacon really takes this dish to another level.

How to Store a Cranberry Cheese Ball

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. (Leftover cheese ball goes great in omelets or frittatas, crumbled over salads or added to homemade mac and cheese, by the way.)

How long does a cranberry cheese ball last?

A cranberry pecan cheese ball will last for at least three days when stored properly.

Cranberry Cheese Ball Tips

Cranberry Cheese BallKRISTINA VÄNNI for Taste of Home

What pairs well with a cranberry cheese ball?

We love pairing a cranberry cheese ball with good crackers or crostini alongside sliced pears and apples.

Is there a good sauce to serve with this cranberry cheese ball?

We recommend serving your cranberry pecan cheese ball with a side of tangy chutney or fruity jam.

Can I double this cranberry pecan cheese ball recipe?

Yes, you could double or even triple this recipe and make two or three balls. You can even form a bunch of smaller balls.

Gorgonzola & Cranberry Cheese Ball

Prep Time 15 min
Yield 2 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 2 tablespoons each finely chopped onion, celery, green pepper and sweet red pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
  • 3/4 cup chopped pecans
  • Assorted crackers

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, combine cheeses. Stir in the cranberries, vegetables and pepper sauce. Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm. Roll cheese ball in pecans. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts

1/4 cup: 274 calories, 22g fat (10g saturated fat), 44mg cholesterol, 277mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (11g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.

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A cheese ball is a classic appetizer to take to any gathering, and it's so easy to make. This version, studded with tangy dried cranberries, is a holiday hit. —Kathy Hahn, Pollock Pines, California
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