Description
These Christmas cranberry walnut cheese balls are festive, creamy, and full of flavor—perfect for holiday gatherings and make-ahead appetizer boards.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
¾ cup dried cranberries, chopped
¾ cup walnuts, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
1 tsp maple syrup or honey
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: smoked paprika, chopped fresh chives, pretzel sticks for serving
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese and cheddar until smooth.
2. Stir in cranberries, walnuts, garlic and onion powder, sweetener, salt, and pepper.
3. Chill mixture for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
4. Roll into 1 large ball or 12 mini balls.
5. Combine additional cranberries, walnuts, and optional herbs in a shallow bowl for coating.
6. Roll cheese balls in coating until evenly covered.
7. Chill again for 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or veggie sticks.
Notes
Coat just before serving to maintain texture and color.
Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
For vegan option, use dairy-free cheese and maple syrup.
- Prep Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini ball
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, holiday cheese ball, walnut cheese balls, mini cheese balls