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If you’re looking to elevate your holiday appetizer game, the White Cheddar Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a standout choice. With the sharp tang of white cheddar, the sweet burst of dried cranberries, and the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans, this cheese ball offers a balance of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and elegant. Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or any festive gathering, this recipe is simple to make, easy to customize, and delightful to share.
Set this cheese ball at the centerpiece of your cheese board or holiday spread, surround it with dippers, and watch it disappear quickly. Below is the full recipe, with tips, variations, serving ideas, and FAQ to help you make it your own.
Why This Cheese Ball Works
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Sharp white cheddar adds bold, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with sweet and nutty ingredients
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Cranberries provide bright tartness and color contrast
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Pecans bring earthy richness and texture
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Make-ahead friendly — you can build the flavors in advance
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Versatile presentation — works as a cheese ball or a spread, or even in mini bites
Ingredients (Serves ~10–12)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Cream cheese (softened) | 16 oz | Full-fat gives the creamiest texture |
| White cheddar cheese, shredded | 1 to 1¼ cups | For sharp, savory depth |
| Dried cranberries | ½ cup, chopped | Use unsweetened or lightly sweetened |
| Pecans | ¾ to 1 cup, toasted & chopped | Plus extra for coating |
| Green onions or chives | 2 Tbsp, finely chopped | Adds fresh bite |
| Fresh parsley or chives | 1 Tbsp, chopped | Optional, for a green accent |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon | For savory backbone |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon | Enhances depth |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon (adjust to taste) | Start lightly |
| Black pepper | ⅛ teaspoon | Freshly ground |
| (Optional) Maple syrup or honey | 1 Tbsp | Adds gentle sweetness if needed |
For Coating / Garnish:
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Extra chopped pecans
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Extra chopped cranberries
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Fresh herbs or microgreens
For Serving / Dippers:
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Crackers (plain, whole grain, gluten-free)
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Crostini or baguette slices
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Apple or pear slices
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Celery sticks, cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Soften the Cream Cheese
Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it becomes smooth and workable.
2. Toast the Pecans
In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 3–5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove and cool before chopping.
3. Blend Cheese Base
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded white cheddar. Stir or mix until smooth and uniform. Scrape the sides of the bowl to incorporate everything evenly.
4. Add the Mix-Ins
Gently fold in chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, green onions, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If your cranberries are very tart, you may optionally stir in a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey — but keep sweetness moderate so the cheese character shines.
5. Shape & Chill
Line a piece of plastic wrap or parchment. Transfer the mixture into the center, and use the wrap to help shape it into a tight ball or log. Wrap it securely and refrigerate for at least 2 hours; overnight is even better for flavor development.
6. Roll in Coating
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball or log. Roll it in the extra chopped pecans and cranberries. Press gently to help the coating stick. For a log style, roll evenly along its length.
7. Garnish & Serve
Place the cheese ball or log on a serving board. Garnish with fresh herbs, extra nuts, or cranberries around the edges. Pair with crackers, bread slices, veggies, or fruit. Let it rest ~10–15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
Tips & Variations
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Cheese swaps: Try swapping some of the white cheddar for gouda, smoked cheddar, or even goat cheese for tang.
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Nut alternatives: Use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios if pecans aren’t available.
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Fruit alternatives: Dried cherries, apricots, or unsweetened currants can replace or supplement cranberries.
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Herb and spice variations: Fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, or a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for warmth.
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Make mini bites: Form small 1-inch balls and coat them individually for bite-sized appetizers.
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Nut-free version: Roll in seeds or chopped herbs instead of nuts.
Serving Ideas & Board Pairings
To showcase this cheese ball or cheese log on a holiday board:
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Board layout: Place the cheese ball/log slightly off-center.
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Cheese companions: Include cheeses of varying textures: a soft cheese (brie), a semi-firm cheese (cheddar), and a flavored cheese (herbed goat cheese).
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Crackers & bread: Offer a variety—plain water crackers, seeded crackers, baguette slices.
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Fruits & produce: Apple or pear slices, grapes, figs, cucumber rounds, celery sticks.
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Extras: Olives, nuts, roasted vegetables, jam or compote (for non-keto guests).
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Garnish: Fresh herbs, rosemary sprigs, scattered nuts and cranberries.
Your board becomes both a visual and flavor experience.
Make-Ahead & Storage
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Build in advance: You can prepare the cheese ball/log up to 1–2 days ahead and keep it wrapped in the refrigerator.
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Apply coating just before serving to preserve nut crunch and vibrant appearance.
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Leftovers: Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for 4–5 days.
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Avoid freezing: The texture of cream cheese-based recipes changes after thawing.
Nutritional Estimate (Approximate per Serving)
Assuming ~12 servings:
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Calories: ~195–220
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Fat: ~17 g
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Protein: ~6 g
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Carbohydrates: ~5–7 g
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Fiber: ~1 g
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Sugar: ~2–3 g
Because dried cranberries vary in sugar content, choosing a low-sugar or unsweetened variety can reduce the sugar and carb impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes — none of the ingredients contain gluten inherently. Just be sure accompanying crackers or breads are gluten-free if needed.
Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
Absolutely. Use a plant-based cream cheese substitute and vegan cheddar or cream-style vegan cheese. Adjust texture with nuts or seed bases.
What size should the log be?
A length of 8–10 inches is practical for slicing and presentation; width around 2.5–3 inches works well.
How far in advance can I make it?
You can shape and chill the cheese ball/log a day or two ahead. Add the coating before serving for best texture.
Can I slice it ahead of time?
Light slicing is okay, but for best presentation, slice just before serving. Sliced pieces may dry on the edges over time.
What if it’s too soft to coat or slice?
Chill it longer. If it’s still too soft, you can refrigerate it in a tighter wrap or adjust with more shredded cheese to help firm the mixture.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Holiday Repertoire
The White Cheddar Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball offers sophistication without difficulty. It brings seasonal flavors—bright cranberries, toasty pecans, and sharp cheese—into a festive and appealing format. The log version adds a dash of elegance and ease of slicing. Because it’s make-ahead friendly and visually stunning, it’s destined to become a holiday favorite on charcuterie boards and appetizer tables year after year.
Serve it, share it, and enjoy the delighted reactions as people gather around for a slice of something special.
