This festive cheese ball is a showstopper appetiser that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. This recipe is ideal for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or even a Boxing Day snack platter.
You’ll spot ready-made cheese balls and festive spreads in the supermarkets this time of year—but making your own at home couldn’t be easier! It’s not only more affordable and healthier (thanks to light cream cheese and less salt), but you can also customise the flavours to make it exactly how you like it. Add more garlic, swap the cheddar, or roll it in nuts, seeds, or herbs—the possibilities are endless. With just a handful of ingredients and no cooking required, it’s the perfect starter or party centrepiece for the holiday season. It’s made a little lighter by using reduced-fat cream cheese—but don’t worry, it’s still bursting with bold, savoury flavour thanks to mature cheddar, toasted pecans, and sweet cranberries.
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party, need a last-minute snack idea, or just want something quick and satisfying to enjoy with crackers, this cheese ball delivers. It’s creamy, crunchy, and festive—everything you want in a holiday treat. And best of all, it comes together in minutes with minimal prep.
How To Serve
You can serve this festive cheese ball with wholegrain crackers, sliced cucumbers, or even apple wedges for a sweet-savoury twist. It makes the perfect showstopper addition to your cheese board during Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or even a Boxing Day snack platter.
Tips
- Use cling film to shape easily: Lay out a piece of cling film, scoop the cheese mix into the centre, then wrap and gently roll into a ball. This helps avoid sticky hands and keeps things tidy.
- Toast your pecans properly: Let them cool completely before chopping and mixing in. Warm nuts can melt the cheese and make shaping tricky.
- Let it chill: If you’re short on time, pop the mix into the freezer for 10 minutes instead of the fridge to speed things up.
Swaps
Light cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for a richer taste, or try a plant-based alternative to make this dairy-free.
Cheddar: Extra mature cheddar gives a strong flavour, but Red Leicester, Gruyère, or even blue cheese work well.
Toasted pecans: Walnuts or almonds can be used instead, or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Dried cranberries: Try chopped dried apricots or dates for a slightly different sweetness.
Chives: Spring onions or fresh parsley will also add freshness if you don’t have chives.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder is used instead of raw garlic to keep the flavour mellow and avoid overpowering the delicate cream cheese. A small minced garlic clove or onion powder can be used for a flavour twist.
Storage
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Best served chilled or at room temperature.
Freezer: Not recommended as freezing changes the texture of cream cheese, making it less smooth when defrosted.
More Appetiser
Festive Cheese Spread
Ingredients
- 250 g light cream cheese
- 30 g finely grated extra mature cheddar
- 50 g toasted pecans (toast and let them cool down completely.
- 20 g -30g dried cranberries chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Handful of finely chopped chives
Instructions
- In a bowl add cream cheese, garlic powder and cheddar.
- Add half of: cranberries, pecans and chives.
- Mix well and refrigerate (or to speed up this part put in the freezer for 10 mins)
- Add the remaining of the cranberries, pecans and chives around and shape. I have used cling film to helping me shaping the ball, without making too much mess (I still did make a bit of a mess behind the scenes )
- Serve with your favourite crackers