This fun and tasty Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is perfect for parties! It’s creamy, tangy, and packed with crunchy nuts and sweet cranberries.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just mix, shape, and serve with crackers. Honestly, I could snack on it all day—it’s that good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try low-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, vegan cream cheese works well too.
Dried Cranberries: These are essential for sweetness and chewiness. If you can’t find dried cranberries, dried cherries or raisins can be good substitutes. Just make sure they’re unsweetened to keep that tart flavor balanced.
Nuts: Pecans and walnuts add crunch and flavor. I personally love pecans for their buttery taste! If you have nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can be great alternatives.
Fresh Herbs: Parsley or chives add a fresh element. If you don’t have these herbs, try dill, or even a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a different twist!
Diced Ham or Bacon: This ingredient adds depth. You can skip it if you’re vegetarian or use some smoked paprika to mimic the smoky flavor without meat.
How Do I Shape and Serve the Cheese Ball?
Molding the cheese ball can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you’ll be a pro. Use plastic wrap to make this easier:
- Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your counter and scoop the cheese mixture in the center.
- Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist it, shaping the cheese ball as you go.
- Wrap tightly and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps it hold its shape.
When it’s time to serve, place it on a beautiful platter with crackers. The contrast of the creamy ball against the crunchy crackers makes it look very appealing!
How to Make a Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (plus extra whole nuts for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup finely diced ham or cooked bacon (optional for a savory note)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Whole fresh cranberries for garnish
- Crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and at least 1 hour to chill in the fridge. You’ll spend a few minutes mixing the ingredients and shaping the cheese ball, then let it rest to set up nicely. Simple and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cream Cheese:
In a medium bowl, take your softened cream cheese and beat it using a hand mixer or fork until it’s smooth and fluffy. This step ensures a creamy base for your cheese ball.
2. Mix in the Add-ins:
Next, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, the chopped nuts, fresh herbs, and if you’re using them, the diced ham or bacon. Add in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until you have a well-combined, colorful mixture.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball:
To shape your cheese ball, you can use your hands or some plastic wrap. Scoop the mixture and form it into a ball, making sure it’s compact. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to help keep its shape, and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour.
4. Prepare for Serving:
Once chilled, take the cream cheese ball out of the fridge and unwrap it. Place it on a serving plate. To make it pretty, garnish the top with whole nuts and fresh cranberries.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Surround your cheese ball with an assortment of crackers for dipping. It’s ready to be enjoyed! Pairing it with some sliced bread or fresh vegetables is also a great idea.
Enjoy this easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that balances creamy richness with bright cranberry sweetness and crunchy nuts!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese can be used if you’re looking for a lighter option, but keep in mind it might not be as creamy. Just ensure it’s softened properly for easy mixing.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll last for up to 3 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving again for the best texture.
Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
Yes, this cheese ball is perfect for making ahead! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What Can I Substitute for Nuts If There Are Allergies?
If you’re dealing with nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds make great substitutes! They’ll still provide that nice crunch without the allergens.
