Description
This Christmas Cranberry Cheese Ball with Walnuts is a festive, sweet-savory appetizer that brings holiday cheer to every table. Loaded with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, green onions, and crunchy toasted walnuts, it’s shaped into a ball and rolled in a sparkling coat of nuts and cranberries.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz (450g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
For the Coating
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup toasted walnuts, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced (optional for color)
For Serving
- Crackers
- Pita chips
- Crostini
- Apple slices or grapes
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheese Ball Mixture
- In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add shredded cheddar, cranberries, toasted walnuts, and green onions.
- Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and honey if using.
- Combine until fully mixed and well distributed.
2. Shape the Cheese Ball
- Transfer the mixture to the center of a large piece of plastic wrap.
- Wrap tightly and form into a ball.
- Chill for 1–2 hours to firm up.
3. Prepare the Coating
- On a shallow plate, mix chopped cranberries, walnuts, and parsley.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball.
- Roll the cheese ball in the mixture until completely covered.
4. Serve
- Place onto a serving platter.
- Surround with crackers or fresh fruit slices.
- Serve chilled or allow to soften slightly at room temperature.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add 2–3 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese.
- Swap walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- Make ahead: prepare up to 48 hours in advance; add coating just before serving.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake, Mix & Chill
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 170kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg