This Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball is bursting with craisins and has a fresh orange flavor. Candied pecans on the outside make it simply delightful with any type of cracker!
With just five ingredients, this cheese ball couldn’t be more simple. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, so it cuts down on last minute party stress. Always a bonus in my book.
This cheese ball is slightly sweet, which I thought was a perfect compliment to the salty crackers. With pretty dried cranberries and a hint of orange in every bite, it is perfect for holiday gatherings.
The candied pecans on the outside of the cheeseball make it extra scrumptious. I made my own, and it was much easier than I thought it would be. They are so tasty it is hard to stop snacking on them! Of course, if you are really in a hurry, you can buy pecans.
Here’s a tip I use for all my cheese ball recipes. 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.
As it chills, it will harden up enough that you can roll it up a bit while still in the plastic wrap. Then just peel it off and roll it in the pecans. 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 simple cheese ball. People can’t seem to get enough of it, so if you have a large crowd you may want to double the recipe!
If you love this great holiday appetizer, you’ll enjoy these too!
- Ham and Cheese Pretzel Bites
- Sausage Dip
- Roasted Almonds
- Knorr Spinach Dip
- Ranch Bacon Cheese Ball Bites
- Pimento Cheese Ball
- Easy Bacon Wrapped Bread Bites
- Chili Cheese Dip
- Cheesy Bacon Dip
- Almond Dip
Orange Cranberry Cheese Ball
Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz pkg cream cheese softened (I like to use light or Neufchatel, it makes a softer cheese ball.)
- ¼ cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp fresh orange zest
- ½ cup Craisins coarsely chopped
- ½ cup candied pecans
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and powdered sugar in a small mixing bowl and beat till smooth. Beat in the orange zest and craisins till well blended.
- Line a small deep bowl with plastic wrap and press cheese mixture firmly into bowl.
- Cover and chill for 1-2 hours, then roll in a ball and roll in candied pecans.
- Serve with crackers.
OMG this looks delicious and easy to make! Thanks for sharing! Can’t wait to try this out by myself!
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Wow! Cranberry cheese balls sound amazing! Can’t wait to try this out myself!
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I hope you like it as much as we did! 🙂
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Such a great flavor in this cheese ball recipe!
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This makes the PERFECT appetizer! YUM – thank you!
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I love how festive this looks. YUM!! This would be the perfect Thanksgiving app!
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I could eat the whole cheese ball by myself! So delicious!
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This sounds delicious! I can’t wait to try it!
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Love that it’s just five ingredients!!
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Oh yes, simple recipes are definitely a bonus during the holidays!
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