If you’re on the hunt for a festive appetizer that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, crunchy, and downright perfect for holiday gatherings, this Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is about to become your newest go-to! I’m so grateful you’re here—because this recipe is one of those party-pleasers that looks fancy but takes almost no time at all. Truly, anything but boring!!

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Overview of Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

This holiday-inspired cheese ball blends cream cheese, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, green onions, and warm spices to create a savory-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with crackers, pretzels, and veggies. It’s bursting with color, loaded with texture, and honestly… I’m kicking myself for not having shot a before-and-after of this beauty because the transformation is incredible!

I promised you easy, and here’s proof!

Reasons to Love This Recipe

Five minutes of prep — that alone makes it holiday magic.
A gorgeous party centerpiece — those cranberries pop!
Sweet + savory combo that guests devour
Budget-friendly and make-ahead friendly
Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s, or any gathering

What Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Tastes Like

Creamy and tangy from the cream cheese, slightly sweet from the cranberries, crunchy from the toasted pecans, and fresh from the green onions—it’s the BEST balance in every single bite. A crackly pecan-cranberry exterior gives way to that smooth, flavorful interior. It’s addictive in the best way.

Benefits of This Recipe

Fast and beginner-friendly
Beautiful, festive, and colorful
Gluten-free when served with GF crackers
Easily customizable
Great for making ahead of time (actually tastes better!)

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1–2 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
Pinch of salt
Optional garnish: parsley, rosemary sprigs, extra cranberries

Tools You’ll Need

Mixing bowl
Spatula
Plastic wrap
Knife and cutting board
Measuring spoons
Small skillet (for toasting pecans)

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions

Swap pecans for walnuts — just as delicious.
Use fresh cranberries finely chopped and macerated in honey.
Add 1/4 cup goat cheese for extra tang.
Mix in 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar for richness.
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper sweetness.
Add diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
Roll in chopped parsley for a greener, herb-forward finish.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Toast the Pecans

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast chopped pecans for 3–4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool completely.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, half the cranberries, half the pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, honey (if using), and salt. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball

Spoon the mixture onto plastic wrap. Pull the wrap around it, shaping into a tight ball. Chill for 20–30 minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Coating

On a plate, mix the remaining cranberries and remaining pecans.

Step 5: Roll in the Coating

Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pecan-cranberry mixture until fully covered.

Step 6: Chill Until Serving

Refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 48 hours). The flavors deepen beautifully.

What to Serve with a Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

This cheese ball LOVES good company. Serve it with:

Butter crackers
Pita chips
Pretzel crisps
Crostini
Sliced apples
Celery sticks
Mini naan bread
Rosemary crackers

And if you’re hosting a holiday spread, serve it next to charcuterie—it fits right in and steals the show.

Tips for Making the Best Cheese Ball

Soften the cream cheese fully—this makes mixing smooth and easy.
Chill before rolling to help the ball keep its shape.
Toast the pecans for maximum flavor.
Use a very sharp knife if slicing for platters.
Roll right before serving if you want those pecans EXTRA crunchy.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: 4–5 days
Freezer: up to 1 month (wrap tightly before rolling in coating; roll after thawing)
Leftovers: great spread on bagels or sandwiches!

General Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: ~1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 12+ as an appetizer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better after resting overnight.

Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes—but chop them very fine and sweeten them lightly with honey or sugar.

Can I make this spicy?

Add a minced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Yes, but the texture will be softer and less firm.

Can I shape it into a log instead?

Definitely—cheese logs are easier to slice!

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—a true holiday hero recipe. It’s stunning on a table, crowd-pleasing, and so delicious that people always ask for the recipe. It’s the perfect appetizer for Christmas parties, Thanksgiving gatherings, New Year’s celebrations, or even cozy weekend snacking.