This cranberry orange cheese ball is so simple and so delicious! With colorful cranberries in every bite and a hint of fresh orange, it’s the perfect holiday appetizer!
Easy Holiday Appetizer
I don’t know about you, but with the hectic-ness of the holidays, I am always looking for recipes that are simple, quick to prepare, and delicious. This cranberry orange cheese ball fits the bill!
It only takes a few minutes to make, and it can be prepared ahead of time. It’s would be perfect to add to your Thanksgiving appetizer ideas along with this baked brie or this cranberry brie bites recipe, I know both will be a hit at your gathering!
It is slightly sweeter than a classic cheese ball, which I thought was a perfect compliment to the salty crackers. It is rolled in candied pecans, which makes it extra scrumptious. I made my own, and it was much easier than I thought it would be. They are so tasty it was hard for me to stop snacking on them! Of course, if you are really in a hurry, you can buy them.
How to Make Cranberry Cheese Ball
The recipe couldn’t be more simple; it’s just five ingredients. Just beat all the ingredients till smooth, then chill. To make it easier to roll into a ball, I like to press the mixture into a bowl lined with plastic wrap. Fold up the edges of the plastic wrap, then chill for an hour or two.
It will harden up enough that you can use the plastic wrap to roll it in a ball, then just peel it off and roll it in the nuts. I like to chop my nuts, then roll the cheese ball into the nuts while they are still on the cutting board. One less dish to wash. :)
Orange and cranberry is a classic flavor combination, and it shines in this cheese ball. Just a warning, this stuff is addicting, so if you have a large crowd you may want to double the recipe. You can make one large cheese ball, or two smaller ones. Or give these mini cheese ball bites a try!
5 star review
“I made the cheese ball and the candied pecans. It is delicious! The cream cheese is sweetened perfectly. The cranberries and orange go so wonderful together. The candied pecans cooked up so nice and sends the cheese ball over the top. You are correct, it is addicting!”
– Karla
More Holiday Appetizers:
- Cranberry Salsa
- Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Cranberry Meatballs
- Fruit Christmas Tree
- Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
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Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball
Video
Ingredients
- 18 oz cream cheese , softened (see note below)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- ½ cup Craisins , coarsely chopped
- ½ cup candied pecans
Instructions
- Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar with an electric mixer until smooth. Then mix in the orange zest and Craisins until well blended.
- Press plastic wrap tightly over the top, then chill in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours.
- Once chilled, form the mixture into a ball and roll in the chopped candied pecans until well coated.
- Place on a platter with crackers and serve. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Appetizers, Christmas, Dips, Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
I’d like to make this for a party tonight. Do you really mean 18 ounce cream cheese, or 1- 8 ounce package?
You’ll need 18 ounces total of cream cheese :)
Absolutely love the flavor that orange zest adds. So yummy!
I made the cheese ball and the candied pecans. It is delicious! The cream cheese is sweetened perfectly. The cranberries and orange go so wonderful together. The candied pecans cooked up so nice and sends the cheese ball over the top. You are correct, it is addicting! Thank you for sharing!
I’m so glad you enjoyed this cheese ball! Thanks for your comment Karla! :)
Can I use orange Peel in place of orange zest in Cranberry Orange Cheeseball? Thanks, Dee
Hi Dee! I would recommend grating your orange peel to get the orange zest! :)
Mmmm this looks delicious! I will have to try it. Thanks for sharing!!