Low-Carb Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Holiday entertaining doesn’t have to mean abandoning your low-carb lifestyle. This low-carb cranberry pecan cheese ball is the perfect appetizer for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or diabetic-friendly way of eating. Packed with rich, creamy cheese, crunchy toasted pecans, and just the right touch of natural sweetness from reduced-sugar cranberries, it’s a delicious way to stay festive without falling out of ketosis.

Ideal for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, or New Year’s Eve celebrations, this keto cheese ball is easy to make, beautiful to serve, and satisfying enough to keep your guests happy all evening — even the ones not watching their carbs.

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Why This Cheese Ball Is Perfect for Low-Carb Lifestyles

• Low in net carbs – Carefully chosen ingredients keep carbs to a minimum

• Rich in healthy fats – Great for those following a ketogenic diet

• No refined sugars – Uses reduced-sugar or unsweetened cranberries for flavor without a spike

• High in protein – Thanks to cheese and nuts, it helps you feel full

• No processed junk – Made with real, whole ingredients

This cheese ball brings that irresistible mix of creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory — all with a macro profile that fits your goals.

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Ingredients for the Low-Carb Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

This recipe makes one medium-sized cheese ball that serves around 10–12 people.

Cheese Ball Base

• Full-fat cream cheese – 16 oz (2 blocks), softened

• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese – 1½ cups

• Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon

• Onion powder – ½ teaspoon

• Sea salt – ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste)

• Black pepper – ¼ teaspoon

• Chopped green onions – 2 tablespoons

• Chopped parsley – 1 tablespoon (optional)

Low-Carb Sweetness & Texture

• Reduced-sugar dried cranberries – ½ cup, finely chopped

• Chopped pecans – ¾ cup, toasted for more flavor

• Sugar-free maple syrup – 1 teaspoon (optional, enhances sweetness without sugar)

For the Outer Coating

• ¼ cup chopped toasted pecans

• 2 tablespoons finely chopped reduced-sugar cranberries

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for color and freshness)

Keto Dippers

• Celery sticks

• Cucumber slices

• Zucchini rounds

• Bell pepper strips

• Keto-friendly seed or almond crackers

• Cheese crisps

• Mini lettuce cups

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Soften and Mix Cheeses

Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes. In a large mixing bowl, combine it with the shredded cheddar and beat until smooth and well blended.

Add Flavor and Texture

Fold in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, green onions, parsley (if using), chopped cranberries, and toasted pecans. Add the sugar-free maple syrup if desired. Mix thoroughly to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.

Chill to Firm

Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Form it into a rough ball using your hands or a spatula, then wrap tightly and shape into a smooth sphere. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Prepare the Coating

Just before serving, combine the extra chopped pecans, cranberries, and parsley on a plate or shallow dish.

Roll and Serve

Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll it in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to help the nuts and cranberries stick. Place it on a serving board surrounded by keto-friendly dippers.

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Tips for Best Results

• Use full-fat dairy for the creamiest texture and keto-friendly fat profile.

• Toast the pecans in a dry skillet for 3–5 minutes to intensify their flavor.

• Chop cranberries finely so they distribute evenly without overpowering the flavor.

• Chill time is key – The cheese needs to firm up before shaping or coating.

• Roll before serving to keep the coating fresh and crunchy.

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Smart Ingredient Swaps for Even Lower Carbs

• Use fewer cranberries – Reduce to ⅓ cup for even lower carb content.

• Skip the maple syrup – Optional for those who prefer ultra low-carb.

• Try chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes (no sugar added) in place of cranberries for a more savory version.

• Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for an extra punch of flavor without more carbs.

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Make-Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead

This cheese ball is a dream for holiday prep. You can make the cheese mixture and form the ball up to 3 days in advance. Just store it wrapped tightly in plastic in the refrigerator.

Add Coating Before Serving

Roll in the pecan-cranberry coating right before serving to keep the outer layer fresh and crisp.

Storage

Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Great spread on keto toast or stuffed into celery stalks the next day!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Based on 12 servings

• Calories: 200–220

• Fat: 18g

• Protein: 6–8g

• Total Carbs: 3–5g

• Net Carbs: 2–3g (depending on the brand of cranberries used)

To further reduce net carbs, choose cranberries with no added sugar or use just a sprinkle for garnish.

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Flavor Variations

Spicy Kick

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy version.

Herb-Infused

Mix in finely chopped rosemary or thyme for an earthy holiday twist.

Smoky Savory

Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to give your cheese ball a deep, smoky note.

Mediterranean-Inspired

Skip the cranberries and replace with chopped black olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a dash of oregano for a Mediterranean vibe.

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Serving Suggestions for Holiday Events

• Present the cheese ball on a rustic wooden platter with colorful veggies and keto-friendly crackers.

• Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs, extra pecans, and a few festive cranberries.

• Add a small dish of olives or pickles to round out your low-carb appetizer tray.

• Use mini cheese knives or spoons to keep it mess-free at parties.

• Pair with sparkling water infused with lemon or cranberry for a complete holiday look.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this cheese ball really low in carbs?
Yes, especially when using reduced-sugar cranberries and skipping added sweeteners. Most servings fall within 2–3 net carbs.

Can I make this nut-free?
Absolutely. Replace pecans with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Check the carb count of alternatives to stay within your goal.

Can I freeze the cheese ball?
You can freeze it without the coating. Wrap it in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw in the fridge overnight. Add the coating fresh before serving.

What if I can’t find low-sugar cranberries?
Chop a few fresh cranberries finely and use in small amounts. Alternatively, skip them and use sugar-free sun-dried tomatoes or olives.

Can I turn this into mini cheese balls?
Yes! Scoop tablespoon-sized portions and roll into bite-sized balls. Coat each with the nut-cranberry mixture and serve on toothpicks for easy grabbing.

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Final Thoughts

The holidays are full of temptation, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor or fun to stay on track. This low-carb cranberry pecan cheese ball brings everything you love about seasonal appetizers — rich texture, bold flavor, festive color — all without the carb overload.

Perfectly suited for keto, diabetic, or simply carb-conscious guests, it’s the kind of dish that proves healthy can be delicious, beautiful, and totally satisfying. Bring it to your next party or keep one in the fridge for grazing — it’s a low-carb tradition in the making.