Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This cheese ball began as a simple experiment and quickly turned into a crowd favorite. Creamy, tangy, and dotted with sweet dried cranberries and aromatic herbs, it’s the kind of appetizer that vanishes in minutes—perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any relaxed get-together.

Coated in a colorful mix of toasted pecans, cranberries, and fresh chives, it’s not only delicious but also a stunning centerpiece for any snack table.

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📋 Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Full-fat cream cheese, softened	16 oz (brick-style)
Sharp white cheddar, shredded	1 ¾ cups
Fresh chives (divided)	2 tbsp
Fresh parsley, chopped	2 tsp
Brown sugar	1 tsp
Garlic powder	1 tsp
Salt	¼ tsp
Freshly ground black pepper	¼ tsp
Dried cranberries, finely chopped (divided)	¾ cup
Pecans, finely chopped (divided)	¾ cup

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🛠️ Instructions

Step 1: Create the Cheese Mixture
Beat the cream cheese until smooth, about 2 minutes. Add the cheddar, 1 tablespoon of chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half of the cranberries and pecans. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Shape and Chill
Form the mixture into a ball with your hands or a spatula. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 5 days).

Step 3: Make the Outer Coating
Right before serving, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives on a plate.

Step 4: Roll and Serve
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll it in the coating mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks. Transfer to a serving platter along with crackers, crostini, pretzels, or veggies. For the best texture, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.