Name: Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup walnuts (chopped); ¾ cup dried cranberries (chopped); 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 8 oz. cream cheese (room temperature); 1 cup shredded Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese; ¼ tsp garlic powder; crackers (pita chips, pretzels, etc.)

There’s something so inviting about creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a touch of sweetness—this Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe nails that balance every time. It’s the kind of appetizer that fills the room with warmth and always disappears fast at gatherings.

A round cheese ball covered in chopped walnuts, dried red cranberries, and green parsley bits sits in the center of a white plate, surrounded by a neat circle of light brown round crackers with holes. Behind the plate are stacked red and white cheese packages and a few green leaves with small red berries on the right side. A silver cheese spreader knife lies in front of the plate on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’m genuinely excited every time I whip up this Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe because it feels festive yet simple, perfect whether you’re hosting a last-minute party or just craving a snack that’s a bit special.

Perfect balance of flavors: The tangy cranberries and sharp cheddar pair beautifully with toasted walnuts for that ideal sweet-savory combo.
Easy to make ahead: You can prepare it a day in advance to let the flavors meld and save your hosting stress.
Versatile serving options: Whether crackers, pita chips, or pretzels, this cheese ball loves company from any crunchy side.
Impresses every crowd: It’s a simple recipe that looks fancy and feels like you put in way more effort than you actually did.

The image shows a round cheese ball covered with chopped red cranberries, green herbs, and light brown pieces of nuts. The cheese ball has a creamy white inside visible through a bite where a round cracker is placed. The cracker is light golden with small holes and rests on the cheese. The cheese ball sits on a dark gray plate surrounded by many round, light golden crackers arranged in a circle. The background is a white marbled texture with some blurred baking items. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe plays a star role—from the creamy base to the sweet bursts of cranberry and the crunch of toasted walnuts. Here’s why I always keep these essentials on hand during the holidays.

Flat lay of chopped fresh parsley sprigs, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped dried cranberries, a small white ceramic bowl with chopped toasted walnuts, a simple white ceramic bowl holding cream cheese at room temperature, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing garlic powder, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed neatly in symmetry, all arranged in balanced proportions and perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Walnuts: Toasting these brings out a warm nuttiness that adds both crunch and depth of flavor.
Dried cranberries: Their tart sweetness perfectly contrasts the richness of the cheeses.
Fresh parsley: Adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Cream cheese: The creamy base that holds everything together with smooth richness.
Sharp cheddar cheese: I love using Cabot Seriously Sharp for that extra tang and bite.
Garlic powder: Just a pinch to bring subtle savory warmth without overpowering.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I adore about this Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I’ve played around with swapping ingredients and tweaking add-ins to cater to different occasions and tastes.

Variation: I sometimes add a handful of chopped green onions or scallions for a mild bite—it freshens things up nicely and adds color.
Dietary modification: For a lighter version, try mixing half cream cheese and half Greek yogurt (strained) to keep that creamy texture but cut calories.
Seasonal twist: Swap dried cranberries with dried cherries or even apricots depending on the season for a unique flavor profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe

Step 1: Toast Those Walnuts Just Right

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, toss in the chopped walnuts. Stir them constantly for 4-5 minutes until they smell nutty and turn a gorgeous golden brown. Trust me, watch them closely—walnuts can go from perfectly toasted to burnt in a flash, and that’ll turn the whole recipe bitter.

Step 2: Mix the First Layers of Flavor

Transfer the toasted walnuts into a medium bowl and add your chopped dried cranberries and fresh parsley. Stir them gently to combine. If you have a hand mixer, feel free to use it—this makes the mixing so much smoother, especially when you get to the cheese.

Step 3: Combine Cream Cheese and Cheddar

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese (make sure it’s room temp!), shredded sharp cheddar, garlic powder, and half of the walnut-cranberry mixture. Use a sturdy spoon or mixer to get everything well blended, smooth, and deliciously cohesive.

Step 4: Chill and Shape the Cheese Ball

Cover the cheese mixture with plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least two hours—or better yet, overnight. This resting period lets the flavors get to know each other. Then, using wax paper, shape your mixture into a neat ball and roll it in the remaining walnut-cranberry blend. It makes for a stunning, textured coating.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Set out the cheese ball with your favorite crackers, pita chips, or pretzels. It’s always a crowd-pleaser, and I guarantee the combination of sharp, sweet, creamy, and crunchy will have people coming back for more.

Top Tip

From my experience making this Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe multiple times, a few little tricks make all the difference between good and unforgettable.

Toast Nuts Carefully: Never walk away when toasting walnuts—they brown quickly and burn easily, which dulls their flavor.
Room Temperature Cheeses: Soften your cream cheese beforehand. It blends so much easier and creates that luscious, smooth texture that makes this recipe shine.
Use Wax Paper for Shaping: It keeps your hands clean and helps form a perfectly rounded cheese ball without sticking.
Chill for Flavor: Don’t skip the refrigeration step—even just a couple of hours helps the flavors meld beautifully and firms up the cheese ball for easy serving.

How to Serve Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe

cranberry walnut cheese ball - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing this cheese ball simply with the fresh parsley already mixed in for a vibrant green touch. Sometimes I’ll add a few whole walnuts and extra dried cranberries on the platter around it for visual interest and an extra hint of the flavors inside.

Side Dishes

For sides, crackers and pita chips are my go-to—they add that crunch and hold up perfectly against the creamy cheese. Pretzels are another favorite, giving a fun salty twist. At holiday parties, I often place fresh apple slices nearby too; the tartness complements the cheese ball wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I rocked a festive look by shaping the cheese ball into a little wreath and decorating it with sprigs of fresh rosemary and pomegranate seeds—it was a showstopper! You can also place the cheese ball on a pretty wooden board surrounded by seasonal fruits and nuts for a rustic vibe that guests love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheese ball? Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap, then tuck it into an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 5 days, so you can nibble on it a little at a time without worry.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but not my favorite here—the texture changes a bit after thawing, becoming less creamy. If you do freeze it, wrap it well in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving and give it a good stir or reshape the ball.

Reheating

This cheese ball is best served chilled, so reheating isn’t really necessary. That said, if it gets too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes—it softens nicely without losing its flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other nuts besides walnuts in this cheese ball?

Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make great alternatives that also toast up nicely. Just watch the toasting time since different nuts vary slightly.

How far ahead can I make this cheese ball?

You can make it up to 24 hours in advance. Chilling overnight really helps develop deep flavor, and the cheese ball firms up perfectly for easy slicing or spreading.

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free cream cheese and a plant-based sharp cheese alternative. Keep in mind that texture and flavor will change, so experiment to find what you like best.

What’s the best way to serve this with crackers?

Choose sturdy crackers or pita chips that won’t break easily when scooping. Offering a variety like wheat crackers, multigrain, or pretzel chips lets guests pick their favorite pairing.

Final Thoughts

This Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to appetizers because it’s effortless yet feels special—so many people ask me for the recipe and tell me how impressed they are. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and enjoy the same joy it’s brought to my kitchen and table.