A Christmas Cheese Ball is a quintessential holiday appetizer creamy, savory, and beautifully festive. Speckled with red cranberries and green onions, it’s a centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks. This no-bake recipe combines cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crunchy pecans into a delicious, shareable dip that’s perfect for any holiday gathering.
Easy to make ahead and endlessly customizable, this cheese ball is a holiday tradition for a reason. Serve it with your favorite crackers for a simple yet elegant appetizer that will have everyone coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cheese Ball
The Christmas Cheese Ball is a holiday classic for good reason. It’s incredibly easy to make, can be prepared in advance, and is always a hit with guests. The creamy, savory cheese base is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the cranberries, the crunch of the pecans, and the mild bite of the green onions.
It’s a visually stunning appetizer that adds a touch of homemade charm to any holiday spread. festive, delicious, and stress-free.
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, sliced (dark and light green parts only)
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
For the Outer Layer
- 2 green onions, sliced (dark and light green parts only)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
For Serving
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Assorted crackers of your choice
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Prepare the cheese mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar. Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend until smooth and fully combined.
Next, fold in the 2 sliced green onions, 3 tablespoons of chopped pecans, and 3 tablespoons of dried cranberries. Mix until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese base.
Step 2: Shape the cheese ball
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on a clean counter. Scrape the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap. Use the wrap to help you form the mixture into a ball shape. Twist the top of the plastic wrap to secure it tightly around the cheese ball.
Step 3: Chill the cheese ball
Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1-2 hours, or until firm. This step is crucial for helping the cheese ball hold its shape and allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 4: Prepare the coating
While the cheese ball is chilling, prepare the outer coating. On a large plate or shallow dish, combine the remaining 2 sliced green onions, 2 tablespoons of chopped pecans, and 2 tablespoons of dried cranberries. Mix them together so they are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Coat and serve
Once the cheese ball is firm, unwrap it. Gently roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts, cranberries, and onions adhere to the entire surface.
Transfer the finished cheese ball to a serving platter. Surround it with your favorite crackers and serve. For the best flavor and texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Expert Tips for Success
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Use softened cream cheese: This is key to a smooth, lump-free cheese ball.
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Freshly shredded cheese is best: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that can affect the texture. Shred your own for the creamiest results.
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Chill properly: Don’t skip the chilling time. A firm cheese ball is much easier to coat and serve.
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Toast the pecans: For a deeper, nuttier flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before chopping.
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Make it ahead: This is a perfect make-ahead appetizer. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and coat it just before serving.
Tasty Variations to Try
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Switch up the cheese: Use a different cheese like smoked Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack for a flavor twist.
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Add some spice: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce can add a nice savory kick.
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Different nuts: Walnuts or almonds work just as well as pecans.
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Savory coating: For a less sweet version, roll the cheese ball in chopped fresh parsley, chives, and toasted sesame seeds.
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Bacon version: Add crispy, crumbled turkey bacon to the cheese mixture and/or the outer coating for a smoky flavor.
Serving Ideas
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Holiday centerpiece: Place it on a festive platter surrounded by a wreath of rosemary sprigs and extra cranberries.
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Cheese board addition: Make it the star of a cheese board, accompanied by cured meats, fruits, and jams.
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Edible gift: Wrap a homemade cheese ball in cellophane with a ribbon and a box of nice crackers for a thoughtful hostess gift.
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With a spreader: Serve with a festive cheese knife or spreader for easy serving.
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Sweet and savory pairing: Serve with a side of fig jam or hot honey for a delicious flavor contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the cheese ball without nuts?
Yes! If you have a nut allergy, you can omit the pecans. For a crunchy coating, try using crushed pretzels, toasted breadcrumbs, or sunflower seeds.
How long can a cheese ball sit out at a party?
For food safety, a cheese ball shouldn’t sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before coating and serving.
What are the best crackers for a cheese ball?
Sturdy crackers like Triscuits, Wheat Thins, or butter crackers are all great choices. You can also serve it with pretzel crisps, apple slices, or celery sticks.
Can I make mini cheese balls instead?
Absolutely! Divide the cheese mixture into smaller portions to create individual mini cheese balls. They are perfect for larger gatherings.
Print
Christmas Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 75
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive, no-bake appetizer with a creamy, savory blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, cranberries, pecans, and green onions. A beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any holiday platter.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, sliced, divided
- 5 tbsp chopped pecans, divided
- 5 tbsp dried cranberries, divided
- Assorted crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and cheddar until smooth.
- Fold in 2 sliced green onions, 3 tbsp pecans, and 3 tbsp cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Scrape mixture onto plastic wrap and form into a ball. Twist wrap tightly to secure. Chill for at least 1-2 hours until firm.
- On a plate, combine the remaining 2 sliced green onions, 2 tbsp pecans, and 2 tbsp cranberries.
- Unwrap the firm cheese ball and roll it in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving with crackers.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Shred your own cheddar for a creamier result.
Do not skip chilling; it helps the ball hold its shape.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet for deeper, nuttier flavor.
Can be made up to 3 days in advance; coat just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook / Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cream cheese ball recipe, cranberry pecan cheese ball, festive party dip
