The Cranberry Cheese Ball is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines creamy, savory cheese with the sweet-tart pop of dried cranberries. Rolled in a colorful coating of cranberries and nuts, it looks as good as it tastes—making it perfect for holidays, parties, and special gatherings. Rich, smooth, and full of texture, every bite delivers a delicious balance of flavors.
Cranberry Cheese Ball:
Easy to prepare and ideal for making ahead, this cheese ball takes the stress out of entertaining. Serve it with crackers, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables, and you’ll have an elegant appetizer that comes together in minutes but leaves a lasting impression on guests.
History:
Cheese balls became especially popular in American home cooking during the mid-20th century, when make-ahead party foods were in high demand. Over time, variations emerged using fruits, nuts, and herbs for added flavour and visual appeal. The Cranberry Cheese Ball is a modern festive twist, inspired by holiday flavors and seasonal ingredients.
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Cranberry Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions or chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
For the coating:
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using clean hands or plastic wrap.
- Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 1 hour to firm up.
- Mix the chopped cranberries and nuts for the coating.
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in the coating until evenly covered.
Notes
- Full-fat cream cheese gives the best texture.
- Chill well before rolling to keep the shape firm.
- Chop cranberries finely for even coating.
- Adjust seasoning to taste before chilling.
- Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips for Cranberry Cheese Ball:
- Toast the nuts lightly for extra flavor.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
- Make it ahead up to 2 days before serving.
- Shape into a log or wreath for a festive look.
- Garnish the serving plate with fresh herbs or extra cranberries.
FAQs for Cranberry Cheese Ball:
Q1: Can I make a cranberry cheese ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made 1–2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
Q2: How long does a cheese ball last?
It stays fresh for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I freeze a cheese?
Yes, freeze without the coating for best results, then coat before serving.
Q4: What can I serve with a cranberry cheese?
Crackers, baguette slices, pretzels, and veggie sticks work well.
Q5: Can I make it nut-free?
Absolutely—replace nuts with extra cranberries or crushed pretzels.
Conclusion:
The Cranberry Cheese Ball is a beautiful, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for festive occasions. With its creamy texture, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy coating, it’s easy to make, easy to serve, and always a hit with guests.