This Cranberry Cheese Ball will be the star of your holiday table. The combination of creamy Brie, sharp cheddar, tart cranberries, and salty pistachios make this a snacker's dream!
Cheese balls are ideal for entertaining—they are easy to make and feed a crowd. This Hedgehog Cheese Ball and these mini goat cheese and fig jam balls are some of my favorites.
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Cheese balls are a party favorite. Like chips and dip, they always attract a crowd!
This Cranberry Cheese Ball is a favorite during the holidays. It's easy to make, and your guests will love the festive flavors.
For a delicious appetizer spread, pair this cheese ball with baked Brie with fig jam, spicy sausage cheese balls, and these cocktail franks with apples and onions.
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Why This Recipe Works
- It's easy, with just 10 minutes of active prep time.
- Adding Brie gives this cheese ball a softer consistency - even straight out of the fridge.
- Make-ahead - You can mix and shape this several days before, then roll it in garnishes when ready to serve.
Ingredient Notes
- Brie cheese—This soft cow's milk cheese pairs beautifully with cranberries. Its soft texture lends a wonderful creaminess to this cheese ball.
- Pistachios—I use shelled, lightly salted pistachios. Pecans can also be used.
- Fresh chives are recommended.
- Optional: For a touch of sweetness, add honey to the cheese mixture or drizzle the cheese ball with honey before serving.
See the recipe card for complete instructions and ingredient amounts.
How to Make a Cranberry Cheese Ball
Step 1: Blend the cream cheese and Brie until smooth and creamy.
Step 2: Mix in the cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Fold in the chives and ¼ cup of dried cranberries.
Step 4: Shape the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and chill for one hour.
Step 5: Combine the chopped pistachios and remaining cranberries on a plate.
Step 6: Coat the cheese ball completely with the pistachios and cranberries.
Expert Tips
- Remove the rind from the Brie before combining it with the cream cheese. This ensures a smooth consistency.
- Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- The cheese ball can be made several days in advance for fuss-free entertaining. To keep the nuts from losing their crunch, wait to coat the cheese ball until ready to serve.
- If serving the same or the next day, the cheese ball can be coated with the nuts and cranberries before refrigerating.
Cranberry Cheese Ball FAQs
A cheese ball will last up to ten days in the refrigerator. To store, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Cheese balls have a firm texture, so sturdy dippers are best. Pita chips, breadsticks, pretzels, crostini, and sturdy crackers are all good choices.
Have you tried this recipe? I'd love to hear it! Please leave a comment and rating below. You can also follow along on Facebook and Pinterest or sign up for my Newsletter for more recipe inspiration.
📖 Recipe Card
Cranberry Cheese Ball
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 8 ounces Brie cheese (softened to room temperature with the rind removed)
- 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded and softened to room temperature)
- ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- ¾ cup chopped dried cranberries (divided)
- ½ cup chopped pistachios
Instructions
- Combine the cream cheese and Brie in the bowl of a stand mixer. Blend until smooth. Add the shredded cheddar and mix to combine. Fold in the chives and ¼ cup of the dried cranberries.8 ounces cream cheese, 8 ounces Brie cheese, 4 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh chives
- Transfer the cheese mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to form the mixture into a ball. Wrap with the plastic and refrigerate for one hour.
- Add the pistachios and remaining ½ cup of cranberries to a plate and toss to mix. Roll the cheese ball in the mixture until completely coated. Serve immediately.½ cup chopped pistachios
- Store covered in the refrigerator for seven to ten days.
Notes
- Optional: To add a touch of sweetness, add honey to the cheese mixture or drizzle the cheese ball with honey before serving.
- Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- The cheese ball can be made several days in advance for fuss-free entertaining. To keep the nuts from losing their crunch, wait to coat the cheese ball until ready to serve.
- If serving the same or the next day, the cheese ball can be coated with the nuts and cranberries before refrigerating.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Abbey McDermott says
This holiday appetizer is dressed to impress! It's easy and make-ahead, making this a must for any holiday gathering.