Holiday Cheese Ball

If you’re looking for an easy appetizer to serve when you’re entertaining this holiday season, try this traditional Holiday Cheese Ball! Two types of cheese are mixed with tangy dried cranberries, fragrant chopped rosemary, and pecan pieces, then rolled in even more cranberries, pecans and parsley for a colorful and festive starter. Serve it with your favorite crackers or veggies for a tasty snack your guests will return to again and again!

Whether it’s game day and you’re cheering for your favorite team, or you’ve got a crowd visiting for your next holiday party, chances are you need a standby appetizer to serve this fall. I’m always a sucker for good homemade cheese balls, and I love this one that includes my favorite combination of cranberries and pecans! With only a handful of simple ingredients and just a few minutes of prep time, this easy cheese ball recipe is a real crowd pleaser!

Why I Love this Classic Cheese Ball

You can make it ahead of time. Make this classic cheese ball recipe up to a week in advance (if you can keep from eating it while you’re waiting!)

It’s so easy to make! It literally only takes a few minutes to prepare, so you can focus most of your time on preparing other dishes or decorations for your party.

It’s easy to customize. I love this cheese ball as it is, but you could easily add other herbs and flavorings to please your palate.

Ingredients Needed to make a Cheese Ball

This recipe only requires simple ingredients!

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (I recommend freshly shredded cheese rather than the pre-shredded kind)
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh Italian parsley

How to make a Holiday Cheese Ball

This easy holiday appetizer only takes a few minutes of actual work to put together. Make sure you plan ahead for softened cream cheese before assembling the cheese ball as well as the refrigeration time needed to chill it.

1. In a large bowl or a stand mixer, combine cream cheese, cheddar, 3/4 cup cranberries, rosemary, ¾ cup of the pecans, salt and pepper. Mix until everything is incorporated, and form into a ball.
2. In a medium bowl, mix the remaining ¼ cup chopped cranberries, remaining ¼ cup pecans, and the parsley.
3. Roll the cheese ball in mixture until well coated. While you can serve the cheese ball right away, I recommend wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it for at least 2 hours or even overnight for the best flavor.

Recipe Variations

Want to mix it up a little? Try one or more of these changes for different flavors:

• Add finely chopped green onions for color and flavor.
• Include fresh herbs and seasonings such as garlic powder, oregano, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, or hot sauce.
• Use chopped almonds instead of pecans or use bacon bits instead of nuts!

What to Serve with Your Cheese Ball

Place your refrigerated cheese ball on a platter with a cheese spreading knife, as it will be too firm for dipping. Serve it with some of the following snacks:

• Assorted crackers (Ritz crackers, Club Crackers, Wheat Thins, Whole Grain Crackers, etc)
• Vegetables (carrots, celery sticks, cucumber slices, pepper slices, or other raw veggies)
• Bread (mini bagels, baguette slices, pita bread, crostini) Pretzels and sturdy chips (pita chips, bagel chips, etc.)

How do I make this recipe ahead of time?

Making this ahead of time is easy! Make the cheeseball as directed, except don’t coat it in nuts. Store it in an airtight container for up to a week. About an hour before serving, roll it in the chopped cranberries, pecans, and parsley, then return it to the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it.

How long will my Holiday Cheese Ball last in the fridge?

You can store what’s left of your cheese ball in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks!

Can I freeze this Cheese Ball?

Yes, you can freeze the cheese ball. Again, make the recipe as directed, but don’t roll it in the cranberry, nut and parsley mixture. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to a month.

To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight. Roll it in in the coating about an hour before serving and return to the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Need more Holiday Appetizers?

If you want more delicious appetizers to serve at your party, try one of these recipes:

• Caprese Tart
• Eggplant Bruschetta
• Figs with Goat Cheese and Prosciutto
• Arancini (Risotto Balls)

This post was originally published November 16, 2017. It has been updated in format and with pictures on November 2, 2023.