Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

This cranberry orange cheese ball is the perfect appetizer to start with and will complement your festive menu.

For more cheesy recipes, try my Christmas reindeer cheese ball, this apple pie cheesecake dip, or my red pepper cream cheese dipping sauce.

Why You’ll Love It

Crowd-pleaser: A hit at any party, it’s a savory-sweet snack everyone will want to try.
Versatile dippers: Serve with anything from crackers and bread to fresh fruit or veggies.
Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and roll it in pecans before serving. Ready to go!

Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Cream cheese: Softened to room temperature, the cream cheese forms the creamy base of this festive cheese ball. This means it will have a smooth and spreadable texture that is perfect for mixing the flavors.
Dried cranberries: Roughly chopped to balance tartness with the creamy texture, these cranberries add a sweet, chewy bite that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Orange marmalade: This zesty addition brings a refreshing citrus flavor to the cheese ball.
Chives: Don’t skip them – they add a lovely savory goodness.
Pecans: Finely chopped and used to coat the exterior, these pecans add a crunch and nutty flavor.

How to Make a Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Prepare the cheese mixture: Blend the soft cheese in a food processor or blender until smooth. Add the dried cranberries, marmalade and chives.
Form the holiday cheese ball: Shape and wrap the ball in plastic wrap. Pop it into the fridge until firm.
Roll the ball: Roll the ball in the chopped nuts, and it’s ready!

Substitutions and Variations

Cream cheese: For a lighter option, substitute with Neufchâtel, Boursin cheese, or reduced-fat cream cheese. Goat cheese works well too, as long as it’s the same consistency. You could also try vegan cream cheese.
Dried cranberries: Swap the cranberries with dried cherries, apricots or golden raisins.
Orange marmalade: Replace the marmalade with apricot preserves, fig jam, or honey in your homemade cheese balls. You could also press bell pepper (or chili pepper) pieces into the cheese for a sweet and spicy taste.
Pecans: Use walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a similar crunch. For a nut-free option, coat the cheese ball in crushed pretzels or sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
Make minis: Roll mini little balls if you prefer individual and little cheese balls.
Spiced cranberry cheese ball: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg. A little hot sauce, pepper sauce, or Worcestershire sauce is tasty, too!
Savory herb cheese ball: Leave out the dried cranberries and orange marmalade and mix in finely chopped green onion, thyme, grated sharp cheddar cheese, and garlic. Coat the cheese ball with herbed breadcrumbs or more fresh herbs.
Bacon-pecan cheese ball: Add crumbled bacon to the cream cheese mixture and coat with pecan halves for a smoky flavor. Yum!

Serving Suggestions

Appetizer: Lay out this festive cheese ball and watch your friends and family dive in! Serve it with crackers, sliced baguettes, fresh veggies, pretzels, and a pretty spreading knife (I love these!)
Main: Try my onion and honey ham with a side of acorn squash. Go for smoked turkey breast if ham’s not for you.
Dessert: End with cheesecake gingerbread jars or my incredible chocolate torrone with hazelnuts.

How to Store a Cranberry Citrus Cheese Ball

Store: Store leftovers from the cheeseball in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: I don’t recommend freezing this holiday cheese ball recipe.