AI generated image of a recipe card.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Healthy Fact of the Day

Pecans provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants while adding satisfying crunch. Cranberries offer vitamin C and compounds that support urinary tract health, making this indulgent appetizer more nutritious than it appears.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Recipe by Daily Disher

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball features cream cheese and sharp cheddar blended with dried cranberries and green onions, rolled in chopped pecans for a festive appetizer.

Course: AppetizerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
3.7 from 7 votes
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal
Total time

1

hour 

10

minutes

    Ingredients

    • 8 oz cream cheese, softened

    • 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

    • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped

    • 0.5 cup pecans, finely chopped

    • 0.25 cup green onions, finely sliced

    • 1 tsp garlic powder

    • 1 tsp onion powder

    • 1 pinch salt

    • 1 pinch black pepper

    Directions

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with grated cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula or a mixer to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
    • Stir in the chopped cranberries and sliced green onions into the cheese mixture. Mix until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the mixture is uniform.
    • Transfer the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball using the plastic wrap to assist in molding it neatly.
    • Scatter the chopped pecans onto a clean surface or a plate. Roll the cheese ball over the pecans, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well and coat the cheese ball evenly.
    • Wrap the cheese ball in a fresh piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This helps it firm up, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
    • Remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly. Unwrap and serve with your choice of crackers or sliced fresh vegetables.

    Nutrition Facts

    • Total number of serves: 4
    • Calories: 210kcal
    • Cholesterol: 0mg
    • Sodium: 620mg
    • Potassium: 400mg
    • Sugar: 8g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Calcium: 60mg
    • Iron: 2mg

    This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the ultimate party appetizer that combines creamy, tangy cheese with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans in a presentation that’s both festive and delicious. The blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar creates a rich, flavorful base that’s perfectly balanced by chewy dried cranberries and fresh green onions, while aromatic garlic and onion powder add depth. Rolling the ball in finely chopped pecans creates a beautiful coating that adds textural contrast and nutty richness to every bite—making this a holiday table staple that disappears as fast as you can set it out.

    3.7 from 7 votes

    Recent Recipes

    KFC’s Fried Pickles Are Back — And

    • May 21, 2026
    • 4 min read

    Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade

    • May 21, 2026
    • 10 min read

    Why Some Cookbooks Change the Way You

    • May 21, 2026
    • 8 min read

    Salisbury Steaks in Horseradish Sauce

    • May 21, 2026
    • 8 min read

    Papa Murphy’s Just Added a New Meaty

    • May 20, 2026
    • 2 min read

    Baked Sage Chicken Meatballs with Parmesan Orzo

    • May 20, 2026
    • 12 min read

    The Lost Vegetables Most Home Cooks Have

    • May 20, 2026
    • 9 min read

    Curry Chicken Salad

    • May 20, 2026
    • 8 min read

    Aldi’s Biggest Drop of the Month Hits

    • May 19, 2026
    • 4 min read

    Chili Lime Steak Tacos

    • May 19, 2026
    • 9 min read

    Tip of the Day

    “Always let your meat rest before slicing.”

    Whether you're roasting a chicken, grilling steak, or baking pork tenderloin, letting cooked meat rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing allows the juices to redistribute evenly. This simple step keeps your meat juicy and tender, ensuring every bite is flavorful and moist. Bonus: It gives you a moment to plate your sides or garnish for a perfect presentation!

    Our Latest Recipes

    Blog
    Daily Disher

    KFC’s Fried Pickles Are Back — And This Time They Brought Friends

    Fried pickles are a fun treat, but they pack more sodium than you might expect from such a small side — primarily from both the pickling brine and the seasoned breading. If you’re watching your sodium intake, enjoying a smaller portion alongside a lighter main course can help keep the overall meal balanced. The Prickly Pear Lemonade is a better choice than a fountain soda if you’re looking for something with a little more natural flavor, though it still contains added sugar — water or unsweetened tea remains the lowest-calorie pairing if you’re keeping things in check.

    Read More »
    Beverages
    Amelia Grace

    Pineapple Bourbon Lemonade

    Pineapple contains bromelain, an enzyme with anti-inflammatory properties that may aid digestion and reduce muscle soreness — tropical flavor with wellness benefits!

    Read More »
    Blog
    Daily Disher

    Why Some Cookbooks Change the Way You Cook Forever

    Research on cooking behavior consistently finds that home cooks who develop a strong conceptual understanding of cooking — who understand why techniques work rather than simply how to execute them — are more likely to cook from scratch regularly, to use whole ingredients rather than processed ones, and to produce meals of higher nutritional quality than cooks who rely exclusively on recipe-following. The investment in understanding cooking as a practice, rather than a set of instructions, produces measurably healthier eating patterns over time.

    Read More »

    Get your daily dose of delicious!

    Skip to content