This Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball is the kind of showstopper that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even tasted it. Tangy, creamy, festive, and rolled in a crunchy cranberry-pecan coat, it’s the no-bake appetizer that looks like you fussed but actually came together in 20 minutes.
I started making this for holiday parties when I realized I needed something that could sit pretty on the table while I finished everything else. Now it’s my go-to whenever I want maximum impact with minimal stress, and I always serve it with crackers, apple slices, and a chilled glass of bubbly.
Why This Works
- Triple-cheese creaminess: Cream cheese for fluff, goat cheese for tang, sharp cheddar for bite. Each one plays a role, and together they’re magic.
- Bright citrus balance: Fresh orange zest and juice cut through the richness, while honey and cranberries add just enough sweetness to keep things lively.
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it days in advance, let it chill, and pull it out 15 minutes before guests arrive. It’s the kind of recipe that actually gets better with time.
How to Make It
Start with the base: Beat your softened cream cheese and goat cheese together until they’re fluffy and smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes. This is your canvas, so make it good.
Build the flavor: Fold in the shredded cheddar, orange zest, orange juice, chopped cranberries, honey, salt, and white pepper until everything is evenly distributed. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for an hour so the mixture firms up and becomes way easier to shape.
Shape it up: Once chilled, use plastic wrap or parchment paper to form the mixture into a ball without getting your hands all sticky. (Pro tip: Wet your hands slightly if the mixture still clings, it makes shaping a breeze.)
The grand finale: Combine your toasted pecans, cranberries, parsley, and orange zest on a plate, then roll your cheese ball through the mixture, pressing gently so it all sticks. Wrap it up and let it chill for at least another hour so the coating sets and the flavors get cozy.
Serve like a pro: Pull it from the fridge 15 minutes before showtime for that perfect creamy, spreadable texture. Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and a few rosemary sprigs if you’re feeling fancy, and watch it disappear.
Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball
Creamy, Zingy, Festive
Ingredients
- 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 115g (4 oz) goat cheese, softened
- 115g (1 cup) sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
- 2 tablespoons orange zest (from 2 medium oranges)
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 75g (⅔ cup) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
- 100g (1 cup) pecans or walnuts, finely chopped and toasted
- 40g (⅓ cup) dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely minced
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Beat cream cheese and goat cheese until smooth and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Mix in shredded cheddar, orange zest, orange juice, chopped cranberries, honey, salt, and white pepper until well combined.
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour (easier to shape when firm).
- Shape chilled mixture into a ball using plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid sticky hands.
- Combine coating ingredients on a large plate or shallow dish.
- Roll cheese ball in coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere—ensure full coverage.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (flavours meld, coating sets).
- Remove from fridge 15 minutes before serving (optimal creamy texture).
- Place on serving platter, garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, and rosemary sprigs if desired.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! You can prep this up to 3 days in advance. Store it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator, and for the best texture, add the coating the day before you plan to serve it.
Can I freeze it?
Absolutely. Freeze the cheese ball uncoated for up to 1 month. Thaw it overnight in the fridge, then roll it in the coating before serving.
What if I don’t have goat cheese?
No problem. Swap in additional cream cheese or mascarpone for a milder, sweeter flavor profile.
How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
Cut it into cubes and microwave in 10-second intervals, checking after each one. Or leave it at room temperature for 45 to 60 minutes if you’ve got the time.
Notes & Variations
- Log shape: Form the mixture into a 20cm (8-inch) cylinder instead of a ball for easier slicing and spreading. Perfect for crackers.
- Spicy-sweet twist: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture and use candied pecans in the coating for a sweet heat situation.
- Herb and pomegranate version: Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh thyme and swap the cranberries for pomegranate arils. Jewel-toned, elegant, totally stunning.
Serve It With
- Buttery crackers, crostini, apple slices, and pear wedges for all the spreading, scooping, and snacking.
- Crisp Prosecco, sparkling cranberry cocktails, or a medium-bodied Chardonnay to balance the richness and citrus zing.
- Charcuterie boards loaded with prosciutto, salami, grapes, and fig jam for a full-on holiday spread.
More Recipes To Try
- Herb and Garlic Cheese Ball with Toasted Almonds: Savory, garlicky, and rolled in crunchy almonds for year-round entertaining.
- Whipped Feta Dip with Honey and Pistachios: Creamy, tangy, and topped with crunchy green nuts and a drizzle of honey.
- Baked Brie with Cranberry and Thyme: Melty, gooey cheese wrapped in puff pastry with a sweet-tart topping.
Let’s Hear It
Made this cheese ball? Snap a photo and tag us so we can cheer you on. And if you tried one of the variations or have your own genius twist, drop it in the comments below so we can all benefit from your brilliance.
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