Cranberry Pecan Christmas Cheese Ball

I don’t know where I first saw a cheese ball, but I remember falling in love it with. A ball of cheese?! Sign this girl up!!

I love the flavors of this because there’s something about the toasty pecans and rosemary and sweet dried cranberries that just scream holidays. It’s the most gorgeous centerpiece for your charcuterie board or cheese plate. It adds a fun and festive homemade touch to any holiday party.

It also makes for a super 15 minute easy peasy potluck recipe if you’re in need of a simple appetizer that pretty much everyone will love. I kinda feel like this cheese ball should be displayed on a cake stand. I feel like it needs to be the centerpiece of some epic display of cheesey amazingness. It’s one of those things that has guests being all like “oooo have you tried the cheese ball?!”It’ll be the talk of the party, I tell ya!

I have to admit, I’ not totally thrilled with these pictures. I feel like it’s so busy and you can’t really see what’s happening. With the home renos happening I’m working with limited space, so maybe I’ll be updating the pics and deleting this post in a few weeks or months down the line. But for now, you’re stuck with these pictures which aren’t totally terrible but aren’t totally awesome so let’s make this Cranberry Pecan Christmas Cheese Ball!!

First, warm the cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I found that warm cream cheese was easiest to mix everything together and incorporate the goodies throughout the ball.

Also, toast up your pecans. This isn’t necessary to the recipe, but it adds a fun toasty depth to the flavors. Just place them in a pan over medium-low heat, shaking and stirring them frequently for about 5 – 7 minutes or until they are golden and fragrant.

Add the shredded Gruyere, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped rosemary to the bowl with the cream cheese. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together until the ingredients are combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of pecans and 2 cups of cranberries, and rosemary. Stir to combined. Place a little scoop onto your plate and transfer the cheese ball to the plate. Use your hands to press the pecan and cranberry mixture into the ball. If needed, pick the ball up to form it and press the outside goodies onto the outside.

Place back on the center of the plate and serve with your favorite veggies and crackers!

Did you make this? Leave a review below and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest!

Recipe

Cranberry Pecan Christmas Cheese Ball

Whip up this Cranberry Pecan Christmas Cheese Ball for your next holiday party or potluck! It’s loaded with flavors and takes only five ingredients to make!

Recipe by:Lindsay Grimes

★★★★★ 5 from 2 reviews

Prep: 15 minTotal: 15 minutes

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Servings: serves 16 1x

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Ingredients

• 16 oz (2 x 8 oz blocks) cream cheese
• 3 cups chopped pecans, toasted
• 3 cups dried cranberries
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped rosemary

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Instructions

1. Warm the cream cheese in the microwave for about 30 seconds. I found that warm cream cheese was easiest to mix everything together and incorporate the goodies throughout the cheese ball.
2. Toast up your pecans. Place them in a pan over medium-low heat, shaking and stirring them frequently for about 5 – 7 minutes or until they are golden and fragrant.
3. Add 1 cup of toasted pecans, 1 cup of dried cranberries, shredded Gruyere, and 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary to the bowl with the cream cheese.
4. Use a rubber spatula to fold everything together until the ingredients are combined.
5. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 2 cups of pecans and 2 cups of cranberries, and remaining 1 tablespoon rosemary. Stir to combine.
6. Place a little scoop of the pecan/cranberry mixture onto your plate and transfer the cheese ball on top.
7. Use your hands to press the rest of the pecan/cranberry mixture into the ball. If needed, pick the ball up to form it and press the outside goodies onto the outside.
8. Once completely coated with the pecans and cranberries, place the ball back on the center of the plate and serve with your favorite veggies and crackers!

Tips

If making ahead, allow to sit out for 20 – 30 minutes at room temperature before serving.

© The Toasted Pine Nut

Enjoy!! xo