This Christmas cheese ball with green onions, dried cranberries, bacon and pecans is a fun, festive appetizer that’s always a huge hit!
It’s that time of year when we need new recipes for cookies to make, appetizers to serve, holiday dishes to try and cocktails to mix up.
And probably we have old family favorites that we want to pull out during the season as well.
Plus, we need about 6.5 more hours in every day to tackle all the chaos of the holidays.
I can’t help you with the feeling of not enough hours in the day, but I can try to lighten your load in the kitchen!
I’m all about keeping it easy and scrumptious. It is possible, I promise.
And today’s recipe is the perfect example.
Just 6 ingredients and no baking needed, this Christmas cheese ball is the perfect little under-the-radar idea to take your holiday party to the next level.
Cause this is no simple cheese ball. Oh no.
We’ve got an explosion of flavor from all the mix-ins that are rolled into the ball and then later pressed onto the ball for a stunning presentation that couldn’t be simpler.
Plus, we’ve got some red and green going with the green onions, bacon and dried cranberries and some holiday vibes with the dried cranberries and pecans.
It’s just a ball full of goodness if you ask me!
Other fun cheese appetizers to serve, especially at the holidays, are my homemade pepper jelly with cream cheese - a Southern favorite - and this gooey baked brie with cranberry sauce.
You know I love finding simple but incredibly flavorful recipes.
Cause it doesn’t have to be so hard or intimidating to make and serve tasty food!
And this delicious cheese ball may be named for Christmas and the holiday season, but I promise you it’s just as good on game day.
Or for a cocktail party with friends. Or a neighborhood get together.
Basically, it works anytime. Holidays included.
If you need other festive appetizers to add to your spread, try this holiday hummus.
Or for general game day or party fun, check out these healthy sausage balls and this cheesy baked black bean dip.
OK, back to today’s recipe. Let’s get cooking.
Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make a Christmas cheese ball. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Ingredient Notes:
- Cream cheese: You can use regular or ⅓ reduced fat cream cheese for this recipe. (I don’t recommend using a fat-free cream cheese.) Be sure to use the kind that comes in a block, not the kind in the tub. And it needs to be softened at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Cheddar: A sharp cheddar helps add extra flavor and balance to this recipe. Regular cheddar or white cheddar are both fine to use.
- Bacon: You need 4 pieces of cooked, crumbled bacon. (I cook mine in the microwave.) I prefer the thick cut bacon so I have bigger pieces, but you can use another kind if you prefer.
- Pecans: This is my preferred nut for this recipe, but walnuts would be a fine substitution as well, if needed.
Also, you’ll notice that many of the ingredients are repeated.
We’re using green onions, bacon, pecans and dried cranberries both rolled up IN the cheese ball AND as the outer layer on top of the cheese ball.
(I separated them out in the list in the recipe card so you’re not tempted to just throw all of them in for the cheese ball.)
It looks so pretty to have those extra pieces studded all around.
Also, be sure to have your favorite crackers for serving.
I recommend using something that’s on the sturdy side, so you can really lather on a schmear of the cheese mixture without breaking the cracker.
Slices of baguette or toast rounds would also be good for serving.
And while this is included in the recipe - both in the directions as well as in the “additional” time listed in the menu at the top, I want to point out that this must be prepped in advance.
The cheese ball gets formed and rolled and then it needs to take a rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
(You can refrigerate it up to 1 full day if needed.)
This allows the cheese ball to set up and harden before you roll it in the toppings and set it out to serve.
Please plan accordingly.
Last thing, let’s talk about what to do with any leftovers.
Leftovers of the cheese ball can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
It’s best used by then because the green onions can permeate the cheese ball and the pecans and bacon will soften and overall, it’s just a little less insanely delicious.
You can have some of the leftovers as a snack or appetizer again another day or you can use it as the ultimate spread for a bagel or a sandwich or wrap.
So much yum.
I hope you give this a try soon. I just know it’s going to be a winner with your friends and family, too!
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Christmas Cheese Ball
Ingredients
For the cheese ball:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled (I prefer thick cut)
- 2 green onions, sliced (dark and light green parts only)
- 3 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 3 tablespoons dried cranberries
For the outer layer:
- 2 green onions, sliced (dark and light green parts only)
- 2 tablespoons chopped pecans
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries
- 1-2 pieces bacon, cooked and crumbled (about 2 tablespoons)
For serving:
- Crackers of choice
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese with the cheddar, bacon, green onions, pecans and dried cranberries for the cheese ball. Work them all together until evenly mixed.
- Slightly wet your hands with water to make rolling a little easier. Form the cream cheese mixture into a round ball, making sure to push it together enough so it’s compact and sturdy. Place the ball on a large pieces of plastic wrap, cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 1 day.
- In a low bowl or on a plate, combine all of the outer layer ingredients - the green onions, pecans, cranberries and bacon - until well mixed.
- Unwrap the cheese ball and roll evenly in the crumbled mixture to get the ball well and evenly coated. You can use your fingers and hands to help spread the nut mixture around and press it into the ball to help it adhere.
- Serve immediately or rewrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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