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This easy cranberry cheese ball is one of our go-to appetizers for holiday gatherings and casual parties alike. It strikes the right balance of sweet and savory, thanks to tangy goat cheese blended with dried cranberries and bright orange zest.
Quick to assemble and easy to transport, it can be made up to three days in advance, making it ideal for busy hosts. There’s no need to reheat; just bring along some crackers and a spreader, and it’s ready to serve. The pop of cranberry adds festive color and flavor, making this simple dish feel special with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients
Here’s what you need to know about the key ingredients in this recipe. The complete list, including quantities, is in the printable recipe card below.
CHÈVRE: Also known as fresh goat cheese, chèvre is easy to find in most supermarkets. Its tangy, grassy flavor is the star of this cheese ball, and it’s easy to work with, too.
CREAM CHEESE: Cream cheese is included in most cheese ball recipes as its smooth, creamy texture helps to bind the other ingredients and blend the flavors.
DRIED CRANBERRIES: In addition to bringing festive color to this cheese ball, dried cranberries provide its signature sweet-tart flavor.
ORANGE ZEST: Fresh orange zest adds a delicious, citrusy note whenever you add it to a recipe, and in this case, it plays perfectly with the cranberries and the goat cheese.
TOASTED PECANS: With their crunchy texture and buttery flavor, toasted pecans are the finishing touch for this cheese ball.
Overview
How to Make a Cranberry Cheese Ball with Pecans
Planning to make this recipe? Here’s a quick overview of how it’s done. Detailed, step-by-step instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
MIX THE INGREDIENTS: Place the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, dried cranberries, and orange zest in a bowl and combine thoroughly.
SHAPE THE BALL: Scoop the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and gather the wrap together tightly to form a ball about 4 inches in diameter.
CHILL: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours.
COAT: After chilling, unwrap it and roll it in the chopped toasted pecans.
SERVE: Serve with crackers or thin slices of toasted baguette.
How to Toast Pecans
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the pecans in a single layer on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Toast for 5 to 6 minutes, turn, then return to the oven and continue toasting for another 5 to 6 minutes or until golden brown with a nutty, toasty aroma.
What to Drink: Recommended Pairings
When entertaining, appetizers and cocktails go hand in hand, and it helps to have food that will work with your guests’ favorite drinks. The flavors in this cheese ball make it easy to pair with a wide variety of beverages. Here are a few suggestions:
- If you want to serve mixed drinks, try our Spiced Orange Champagne Cocktail or keep with the cranberry theme and whip up a few Cranberry Moscow Mules.
- When choosing wines, avoid oaked varieties and instead try a light-bodied, fruity red like Beaujolais, or sparkling rosé, or Pinot Gris.
- For the craft beer fans on your guest list, both American-style pale ales and Belgian Saison are good choices.
More Easy Appetizers for Entertaining
If you’re planning a gathering or just want to expand your lineup of easy appetizers, these recipes offer a variety of simple, flavorful options. Try our Orange and Basil Stuffed Dates with Prosciutto for a sweet-savory bite, or serve Crostini Appetizers with Two Easy Toppings to keep things flexible and crowd-friendly. For something warm and bold, our Cauliflower Blue Cheese Dip is a great choice, and Apple Cranberry Chutney adds a tangy, make-ahead option that pairs well with cheese boards or roasted meats.
Easy Cranberry Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 4 ounces chèvre (French goat cheese), softened
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- Zest of 1 orange
- 3/4 cup pecans, toasted and chopped (see notes)
Instructions
- Place the cream cheese, goat cheese, cranberries and orange zest in a bowl and combine thoroughly.
- Scoop the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap and gather the wrap together to form a ball about 4 inches in diameter.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, unwrap it and roll it in toasted pecans.
- The cheese ball can either be served at this point or re-wrapped and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Serve with crackers, crisp breadsticks, or thin slices of toasted baguette.
Notes
Make-Ahead Tips and Storage
After coating with the toasted pecans, the cheese ball can be re-wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Take the ball out of the refrigerator about 20 to 30 minutes ahead of serving to come to room temperature. To freeze, start by wrapping the ball tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Then place the wrapped cheese ball in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind that the freezing and defrosting process may change the texture of the cheese slightly, but it will still taste great!Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I didn’t have quite enough pecans so I made up the difference by adding walnuts and it was delicious
Hi Janet,
I think you can easily substitute walnuts for the pecans entirely, or use a mix like you did. Thanks for sharing the tip.
This is so easy to make and has been a big hit at holiday parties when I bring it!
great combination of flavors – everyone loved it ~ looks pretty too !