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Easy No-Bake Cheese Ball Recipe with Cranberries and Pecans

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball combines creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors with a touch of crunch — the perfect holiday appetizer that’s ready in just 15 minutes of prep. Ideal for parties, potlucks, and festive gatherings, this make-ahead cheese ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 1 large cheese ball (8 servings)
Course: Appetizers, Holiday Recipes, Party Snacks
Cuisine: American
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans toasted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Smart Substitutions: Replace cranberries with dried cherries or chopped strawberries swap pecans for walnuts or pistachios, or use honey instead of sugar for natural sweetness.

Method
 

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to soften for smooth mixing.
  2. Mix: In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cranberries, pecans, Parmesan, sugar, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth and evenly mixed.
  3. Shape: Transfer mixture to a clean surface and shape into a ball using plastic wrap to form smooth edges.
  4. Chill: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight preferred) to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve: Remove from refrigerator 15 minutes before serving. Roll in additional chopped pecans if desired and serve with crackers, toasted bread, or fruit slices.

Notes

For best flavor, prepare your cheese ball a day ahead. The cranberries soften, and the flavors meld beautifully. Always serve slightly softened for smooth spreading.