Go Back
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/4 cup orange zest (freshly grated) - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon honey - 1/4 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt To create this delightful cheese ball, you start with the main ingredients. Cream cheese gives it a smooth base. Sharp cheddar adds a rich flavor. Chopped dried cranberries bring sweetness and texture. Next, for flavor enhancers, freshly grated orange zest adds a burst of citrus. Green onions give a nice crunch and a bit of bite. Honey sweetens it all, balancing the flavors perfectly. Feel free to add optional ingredients. Chopped walnuts or pecans bring a nutty crunch. Garlic powder adds depth, while salt boosts the overall taste. These extras can make your cheese ball even more special. Gather all these ingredients for a festive treat. You can mix and match based on your taste. This cheese ball is great for any holiday gathering or party. {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a large bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese and 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth. This mix forms the base of your cheese ball. - Next, add 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, 1/4 cup of freshly grated orange zest, 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, and 1 tablespoon of honey. If you want extra crunch, add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans. Then, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir all these ingredients until they are well mixed. - Now, use your hands to form the mixture into a large ball. If the mixture feels sticky, dampen your hands slightly with water. This makes shaping much easier. Keep rolling until you have a smooth, round cheese ball. - Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This time helps the flavors blend and the cheese firm up. - After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball. For extra flair, roll it in chopped cranberries, nuts, or a sprinkle of orange zest. This gives it a festive look! - Serve the cheese ball on a platter with assorted crackers and fresh fruit. This combination brings a bright, joyful touch to your holiday spread. You can make the cranberry orange cheese ball a day ahead. This helps the flavors blend well. After mixing, shape the cheese ball and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Letting it rest enhances the taste. The ingredients mingle and create a richer flavor. Serve your cheese ball with assorted crackers and fresh fruit. Choose crunchy crackers like water crackers or buttery ones like Ritz. Fruits like apple slices or grapes add a sweet touch. For a festive look, place the cheese ball on a colorful platter. You can add sprigs of rosemary or slices of orange for decoration. To prevent the cheese ball from leaking, ensure your cream cheese is well-softened but not too warm. If the mixture is sticky, dampen your hands when shaping. If you want to adjust flavors, taste the mixture before chilling. Add more honey for sweetness or salt for a savory kick. Pro Tips Chill for Optimal Flavor: Allow the cheese ball to chill for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together for a more delicious taste. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese for a unique flavor profile. Creamy goat cheese or tangy blue cheese can add a delightful twist! Make Ahead: This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge until you're ready to serve. Presentation Matters: For an eye-catching display, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped cranberries or nuts before serving. It adds color and texture! {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your cheese ball easily. Try adding herbs like dill or thyme. These herbs add freshness and depth. For a spicy kick, use cayenne or paprika. You can also mix in spices like cumin for a unique, warm flavor. Switching up cheese types makes a big difference too. Use cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangy bite. Or try a sharp blue cheese for a bold taste. Each cheese will bring its own charm to your spread. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers. This way, everyone can enjoy the cheese ball. You can also make it dairy-free. Use a cream cheese substitute made from nuts. There are many great brands available now. They have similar textures and flavors, making it easy to adapt. Incorporate seasonal fruits for an exciting twist. Fresh berries in summer or diced apples in fall add fun flavors. They also make your plate look colorful and inviting. When it comes to festive themes, think about the holidays. Add chopped pecans and cranberries for a Thanksgiving vibe. Around Christmas, sprinkle some pomegranate seeds for a festive look. These small changes make your cheese ball a true holiday delight! To keep your cheese ball fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge. The cheese ball will stay good for about 5 days. You can freeze the cheese ball for longer storage. First, wrap it in plastic wrap, then place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the flavor. When you want to eat it, take it out and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. When ready to serve, do not heat the cheese ball. It tastes best served cold. Remove it from the fridge and unwrap it. Serve it with your favorite crackers and fresh fruit for a yummy treat. Enjoy! Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese. It still gives good taste and texture. The cheese ball may be a bit lighter, but the flavors will remain delicious. Low-fat options work well for those watching calories. Just remember, the creaminess may change slightly. It is best to keep the cheese ball out for no more than two hours. After that, it can spoil. If the room is warm, you should limit that time to one hour. Always ensure food safety to prevent any health issues. You can serve many things with your cheese ball. Here are some great options: - Assorted crackers - Fresh fruit like apples or grapes - Veggie sticks, such as carrots or celery - Sliced baguette - A sweet drink like apple cider or a light wine These sides make a fun and tasty spread for your guests. Making a Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball is simple and fun. You combine cream cheese, cheddar, and cranberries for a tasty mix. Add some honey and green onions for extra flavor. You can even try different cheeses or herbs to make it unique. Remember to chill it well and store leftovers correctly. With a few tips, you’ll impress your friends at gatherings. Enjoy sharing this treat with loved ones and creating lasting memories!

Festive Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

A delicious and festive cheese ball made with cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, and orange zest, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 0.25 cup orange zest (freshly grated)
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 0.25 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 1 serving assorted crackers and fresh fruit for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, blending until smooth and creamy.
  • Add dried cranberries, orange zest, green onions, nuts (if using), honey, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese mixture, stirring until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into a large ball. If the mixture is sticky, dampen your hands slightly to make shaping easier.
  • Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to firm up.
  • Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Optionally, you can roll the cheese ball in extra chopped cranberries, nuts, or a sprinkle of orange zest for added texture and presentation.
  • Serve the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by assorted crackers and fresh fruit for a festive touch.

Notes

For added texture and presentation, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped cranberries, nuts, or a sprinkle of orange zest.
Keyword cheese ball, cranberry, holiday appetizer, orange