Description
This Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree is a festive showstopper for any holiday spread. Rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bold blue cheese are studded with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, then shaped into a charming tree that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped pecans and cranberries for decoration
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Beat or stir until the cheeses are well combined, smooth, and evenly incorporated.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and roughly shape it into a mound.
- Use your hands (over the plastic wrap) to mold the cheese into a cone or tree shape, pressing firmly to compact it.
- Wrap the shaped cheese tree tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese tree and place it on a plate or tray.
- Press additional chopped pecans and cranberries all over the outside of the tree to create a decorative, textured coating.
- Transfer the cheese ball tree carefully to your serving platter. Tuck fresh parsley sprigs around the base and at the top to resemble greenery.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so the cheeses blend smoothly and the mixture is easy to shape.
- Chilling time is essential—if the tree is too soft, it will slump instead of holding its festive shape.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese to taste if you prefer a milder or bolder flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/12 of cheese ball tree
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Christmas cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball tree, holiday appetizer, cheese board centerpiece, festive party food