Easy Cranberry Cheese Ball

A close up view of a cranberry cheese ball with a portion removed revealing the creamy cheese studded with dried cranberries and fresh orange zest.

Print Recipe

4.56 from 9 votes

Make your holiday entertaining a breeze with this make-ahead easy cranberry cheese ball rolled in toasted pecans.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Course: Appetizers

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Author: Lynne Webb

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