Festive Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls

By Zelia ThorneSeptember 10, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Ever find yourself staring blankly at the appetizer section? Wondering what to bring to your next gathering? Well, you're in luck! These Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls are the answer.

This recipe is an absolute winner.

Quick Hook

Fancy a cheese board revolution? These Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls are creamy, tangy, and crunchy. This Cheese Balls Recipe will wow your guests. They are sweet, savory, and totally addictive.

Brief Overview

This recipe is inspired by classic American holiday appetizers. They are super simple to make, even for kitchen novices. This Cream Cheese Ball is a great party snack! It takes only 20 minutes to prep.

Then 1 hour for chilling. Makes about 24 balls. Perfect for your Christmas Cheese Ball .

Main Benefits

This recipe offers a dose of healthy fats from nuts and is packed with flavor. Make Ahead Appetizers are a lifesaver! These are perfect for Christmas.

What makes these Party Cheese Balls special? The burst of cranberry sweetness with the creamy cheese.

Right then, let's get cracking! Want to make this a Holiday Cheese Ball Appetizer ? This Cream Cheese Balls Recipe is your solution.

You won't believe how easy this is. This is a Cranberry Walnut Appetizer that everyone loves. Honestly, this is one of those recipes that just works.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls

Right, let's talk about what you'll need to whip up these amazing Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls . Don't worry, it's all pretty straightforward.

Even if you're not exactly Mary Berry, you can ace this. It's a super Cream Cheese Balls Recipe .

Main Ingredients: What You'll Need

Here’s the lowdown on the ingredients. Remember, quality matters, especially with the cream cheese – you want a good, solid block of the stuff for the best Cream Cheese Ball .

Cream Cheese: 8 ounces (225g), softened
Goat Cheese: 4 ounces (115g), softened
Honey: 2 tablespoons (30ml)
Orange Zest: 1 tablespoon (15ml)
Garlic Powder: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
Kosher Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25ml)
Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon (0.6ml)
Dried Cranberries: 1 cup (120g), chopped
Walnuts/Pecans: 1 cup (100g), toasted and chopped
Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup (30g), chopped
Fresh Rosemary: 2 tablespoons (30ml), chopped (optional)

Honestly, the cream cheese really needs to be properly softened. If it's still a bit cold, you'll end up with lumpy Cheese Balls Recipe , and nobody wants that.

Soften it until it is easily whipped!

Seasoning Notes: A Bit of Spice!

Okay, let’s get flavourful! We need to talk seasoning. Don't be afraid to experiment. Think warm spices and yummy aromatics.

Essential Spice Combinations: The garlic powder and salt are musts.
Flavour Enhancers and Aromatics: Orange zest lifts everything beautifully. The rosemary adds a sophisticated touch.
Quick Substitution Options: If you haven’t got rosemary, don't sweat it! Leave it out or try a pinch of thyme.

By the way, these Party Cheese Balls are amazing Make Ahead Appetizers .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Now, for the kit. No need for fancy gadgets here. Just the basics to get you making Festive Appetizers .

Mixing Bowls: Get a couple – one for the cream cheese mixture and one for the coating.
Electric Mixer: A hand mixer works just fine! It makes smoothing out the cheeses a doddle.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: You'll need them, obviously.
Spatula: For scraping down the bowl and mixing.
Cling Film (Plastic Wrap): To chill the cheese mixture.
Chopping Board and Knife: For chopping the cranberries, nuts, and herbs.
Baking Sheet: To put the Christmas Cheese Ball on while chilling.
Parchment Paper: Optional, but it stops the balls from sticking.

Don't have a fancy mixer? Just use a wooden spoon and some elbow grease! It'll still taste amazing. Enjoy this Holiday Cheese Ball Appetizer , Cranberry Walnut Appetizer .

Right then, let's get these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls sorted. Think of it as a posh cheese and biscuits, but in ball form – a real crowd-pleaser at any gathering, from a Christmas bash to a casual afternoon tea.

I love that it's a right proper savoury delight! It's a super easy Cream Cheese Balls recipe , and you can easily make it ahead.

You know?

Get Your Prep On: Essential Steps for the Best Cream Cheese Balls

Festive Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls presentation

Good prep is key to success. This Cheese Balls Recipe is no exception. Get all your ingredients measured out. Soften your cream cheese.

Honestly, this is the difference between a smooth Cream Cheese Ball and a lumpy mess. The recipe calls for 8 ounces cream cheese and 4 ounces goat cheese.

Also, chop those cranberries and nuts. I use a food processor for the nuts. It saves so much time.

Safety first! Don’t burn those nuts when you toast them. I nearly set off the smoke alarm the other day doing that! Keep your eye on them the entire time they are in the oven.

Step-by-Step: Crafting the Perfect Holiday Cheese Ball Appetizer

These steps are easy peasy. Let’s dive in!

Beat together 8 ounces softened cream cheese, 4 ounces goat cheese, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon orange zest, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Use a mixer.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour . This firms up the mix.
Combine 1 cup chopped cranberries, 1 cup chopped nuts, 1/4 cup parsley, and 2 tablespoons rosemary (optional) in a separate bowl.
Roll the cream cheese mixture into 1-inch balls. Damp hands help.
Roll each ball in the cranberry-nut mixture. Press gently so it sticks!
Chill again for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve chilled with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Festive Appetizers

Toast those nuts! It makes a huge difference. Honestly, it elevates the entire Cranberry Walnut Appetizer.
Avoid over-mixing the cream cheese. It can get a bit runny.
You can make these Make Ahead Appetizers up to 2 days in advance. Keep them in the fridge, covered.

You know, I once brought these Party Cheese Balls to a Christmas party. They were gone in minutes ! People were practically fighting over them.

I hope yours are a hit, too. Enjoy your Christmas Cheese Ball !

Recipe Notes for Your Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls

Right, you've decided to make these scrummy Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls . Good on ya! Before you get stuck in, here are a few extra bits and bobs to make sure they're spot on.

I've learned a thing or two over the years making party food!

Serving Suggestions: Making Your Cheese Balls Shine

These aren't just any old Cream Cheese Balls . Let's make them look posh! I reckon a nice platter with assorted crackers is the way to go.

Think oatcakes, water biscuits, and maybe even some little toasts. A few sprigs of rosemary wouldn't go amiss either – makes it look all festive.

I always add some grapes as well, nice and refreshing.

And for drinks? A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the Christmas Cheese Ball perfectly. If you're feeling fancy, a glass of fizz never hurts either! These Festive Appetizers will be the stars of the show.

Storage Tips: Keepin' 'em Fresh

These Party Cheese Balls are best served chilled. If you've got any left, wrap them up tight in cling film and bung them in the fridge.

They'll be good for up to 3 days, honestly.

Freezing? Not ideal, to be honest. The texture of the cream cheese can change. But if you must , wrap them individually in cling film, then pop them in a freezer bag.

They'll last for about a month. Defrost them in the fridge overnight.

When reheating, or rather, serving after chilling, just let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.

That way, they're not rock solid! These Make Ahead Appetizers are great because you can prep them in advance!

Variations: Putting Your Own Stamp on it

Fancy a twist? If you're catering for someone who's dairy-free, you can actually find really good dairy-free cream cheese these days. It won't taste exactly the same, but it'll do the trick.

Nut allergy? Ditch the walnuts and use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds instead. Still adds a nice crunch! Seasonal changes? In summer use fresh berries for your Cream Cheese Ball instead!

Nutrition Basics: A Little Bit About the Goodness

Each Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball packs about 90 calories. It's got around 2g of protein and 7g of fat, so definitely a treat, not a health food! But hey, it's got cranberries and nuts, so you're getting a bit of goodness in there too.

And a delicious Cranberry Walnut Appetizer at that!

Honestly, these Cheese Balls Recipe are dead easy to make and always go down a treat. So get in the kitchen and give it a go! You'll smash it, I know you will! And your Cream Cheese Balls Recipe are sure to impress.

Cream Cheese Balls Make Delicious Cranberry Nut Balls

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls ahead of time? I'm prepping for a party, you see.

Absolutely! In fact, making them a day or two in advance is ideal. The flavours meld together beautifully, and it saves you stress on the day of your soiree. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they'll be ready to go whenever your guests arrive, practically no effort on your part.

My cream cheese mixture is too soft! What am I doing wrong with the Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls?

Ah, the dreaded soft cheese! It sounds like your cream cheese wasn't quite soft enough before you started or wasn't sufficiently chilled. Make sure your cream cheese and goat cheese are properly softened, not melted. Then, chill the mixture for at least an hour (or even longer) before rolling to ensure it firms up enough to hold its shape. If it's still too soft, pop it back in the fridge for another 30 minutes, easy peasy.

What's the best way to store leftover Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls? Will they keep alright?

Yes, they store brilliantly! Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the fridge. They'll happily last for up to 3-4 days. Just be aware that the nuts might lose a little of their crunch over time, but they'll still taste fantastic, don't worry.

I'm not a fan of walnuts – can I substitute them in these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls?

No problem at all! Feel free to swap the walnuts for pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. Toasted nuts always add a better flavour, mind you, so don't skip toasting whatever you use! Also, consider adding some pepitas (pumpkin seeds) for a unique twist – they’ll add a lovely bit of colour too.

Are there any variations I can try with these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls to make them a bit fancier?

Oh, absolutely! Get your bake on! For a bit of extra pizzazz, try adding a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of sea salt on top just before serving. You could also roll them in a mixture of finely chopped fresh rosemary and thyme for a more herbaceous flavour. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of chilli flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a subtle kick – a proper surprise for your guests!

Are these Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Balls healthy?

They're a delicious treat, but remember they're an indulgence, so moderation is key! They contain healthy fats from the nuts and some nutrients from the cranberries and cream cheese, but also have a higher fat content. For a slightly healthier take, you could use low-fat cream cheese, reduce the honey, or add more herbs for flavour. That way you can have your cake and eat it, so to speak!