Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball with Pecans

This isn’t your grandma’s cheese ball—though my grandma would have absolutely loved it. This Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball with Pecans is the perfect harmony of creamy, salty, tangy, and crunchy. It combines rich cream cheese with savory turkey bacon, sharp cheddar, and sweet-tart dried cranberries, all rolled in crunchy toasted pecans. It’s a show-stopping, make-ahead appetizer that looks fancy but is honestly a breeze to throw together. Who says holiday food can’t be both impressive and easy?

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll love this recipe because it’s the ultimate stress-free party food. It comes together in about 15 minutes of active time, and then the fridge does the rest of the work, making it a total lifesaver during the hectic holiday rush. The flavor combination is a total crowd-pleaser. Honestly, I’ve never brought this to a Friendsgiving or holiday party without someone asking for the recipe. It’s that good. The creamy, the crunchy, the sweet, the savory. So, so delicious. It’s the easiest way to look like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened – For the rich, creamy base that holds everything together.
• 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – Adds a tangy, savory punch and great texture.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped – Provides a sweet and tart burst of flavor.
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled – Gives that irresistible smoky, savory saltiness.
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced – Offers a mild, fresh oniony bite.
• 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped – For the deliciously nutty and crunchy coating.
• 1 clove garlic, minced – Adds a subtle, aromatic depth.
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika – Brings a warm, smoky flavor without any heat.
• 1/4 tsp black pepper – For a little bit of spice.
• 1 tbsp honey – Just a touch to balance all the savory flavors.

Step by Step Method

1. First, make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This is key for getting a smooth, mixable consistency.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped cranberries, crumbled turkey bacon, green onions, minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and honey.
3. Use a sturdy spatula or clean hands to mix everything until it’s very well combined. Don’t be afraid to get in there and mush it all together!
4. Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center and use the plastic wrap to help you shape it into a ball. Wrap it up tightly.
5. Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight.
6. Right before serving, place the chopped pecans on a plate or shallow bowl. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pecans, pressing gently to make sure they stick on all sides.
7. Transfer your beautiful Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball with Pecans to a serving plate, surround it with crackers, and enjoy!

Serving Ideas & Pairings

This cheese ball is the star of any holiday spread. I love placing it right in the center of a large platter or board surrounded by an assortment of dippers. My go-to’s are sturdy crackers like wheat thins or water crackers, crisp apple slices, and crunchy celery sticks. It also makes a fantastic addition to a larger Thanksgiving charcuterie board, paired with other cheeses, cured meats, nuts, and fruits. And if you’re looking for more Thanksgiving appetizers ideas, this pairs wonderfully with a simple veggie platter or some spicy roasted nuts.

Flavor Twists

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. If you’re not a fan of turkey bacon, finely chopped smoked turkey deli meat works in a pinch. For a different nutty flavor, try rolling the ball in chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pecans. And if you want to lean into the holiday spirit even more, swap the dried cranberries for dried cherries. So many possibilities!

Storage Tips

The beauty of this appetizer is its make-ahead magic. You can store the cheese ball, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the cream cheese can become a bit grainy when thawed. If you have any leftovers (a rare occurrence in my house!), just re-wrap them and pop them back in the fridge.

Thanksgiving Appetizers Ideas

Planning your holiday menu can feel overwhelming, but the key is to choose make-ahead recipes that free up your oven. This Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball with Pecans is a perfect start. Other easy Thanksgiving appetizers include a simple baked brie with jam, a tray of mini sausage balls, or a colorful crudité platter with a flavorful dip. For Friendsgiving food ideas, I always recommend potluck-style where everyone brings their favorite dish—it takes the pressure off the host and makes for a wonderfully varied feast.

Oven Temperatures

While this particular recipe doesn’t require an oven for the cheese ball itself, you will need it to crisp up your turkey bacon. I find that baking turkey bacon on a foil-lined sheet pan at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes yields the perfect crispy, crumble-able texture without any splatter mess on the stovetop. It’s my favorite hands-off method.

FAQs

• Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time? Absolutely! That’s one of its best features. You can make the cheese ball (without the pecan coating) up to 3 days in advance. Keep it wrapped in the fridge, and then just roll it in the pecans right before you serve it.
• What’s the best way to get a perfectly round shape? Using plastic wrap is your best friend here. Plop the mixture in the center, bring the edges of the wrap up, and twist. You can then gently roll it on the counter through the plastic to smooth it into a ball.
• What are some other holiday appetizers easy to serve with this? This cheese ball fits right in with other simple finger foods. Think stuffed mushrooms, mini quiches, or a warm spinach and artichoke dip. They’re all fantastic Thanksgiving recipes appetizers that guests love.
• My cheese mixture is too soft to shape. What do I do? No worries! Just pop the mixture in the fridge, still in the bowl, for about 30 minutes to firm up. Then try shaping it again. Soft cream cheese is the usual culprit.