Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball – A Festive Holiday Appetizer

This Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball – A Festive Holiday Appetizer is an irresistible blend of creamy, tangy, and sweet flavours wrapped in a gorgeous festive presentation. Featuring cheddar, goat cheese, and cream cheese, it’s rolled in a mix of chopped pistachios and dried cranberries for a perfect balance of colour, texture, and taste. This cranberry pistachio cheese ball is easy to make, elegant, and ideal for Christmas entertaining or any holiday gathering.

Hey folks – I hope you’re doing well!

Today, I’m bringing you another festive appetizer idea that’s both delicious and effortless – this cranberry pistachio cheese ball is a beautiful centerpiece for any holiday table. With its creamy texture, nutty crunch, and tart cranberry sweetness, it’s the kind of dish that looks impressive but requires minimal work. Whether you’re hosting a large party or a cozy night in, this holiday cheese ball recipe will be a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

• Festive and Colourful: A perfect addition to your Christmas appetiser spread with vibrant red and green hues.
• Creamy and Crunchy: Combines soft, tangy cheese with toasted pistachios and chewy cranberries for balanced texture.
• Easy to Make: Comes together in minutes.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Ideal for preparing in advance, freeing up time on busy holiday days.

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball: Flavour and Texture Profile

This cranberry pistachio cheese ball brings together creamy, savoury, and subtly sweet elements. The blend of cheddar, goat cheese, and cream cheese creates a smooth and luscious base, while the smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth and warmth. Fresh thyme and orange zest lift the flavour with brightness, perfectly complementing the sweetness of cranberries and the buttery crunch of pistachios. Each bite feels rich yet refreshing – festive, elegant, and perfectly balanced.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Recipe

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded mild cheddar provides savoury richness and structure.
• Goat Cheese: Soft and tangy, it adds creamy texture and depth.
• Cream Cheese: Helps bind everything together for a smooth, spreadable consistency.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness that complements the cheese beautifully.
• Garlic Powder: Brings subtle savoury undertones.
• Fresh Thyme: Adds a fragrant, herbal note that feels distinctly festive.
• Orange Zest: Provides a bright citrus aroma and pairs wonderfully with cranberries.
• Pistachios: Chopped and divided – some for mixing in, the rest for coating. Their nutty flavour and green hue add both taste and visual appeal.
• Dried Cranberries: Divided between the mixture and coating, they bring festive colour and a sweet-tart pop in every bite.

Possible Additions and Variations

• Add Spice: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne adds subtle heat.
• Try Other Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, or almonds work equally well if you prefer variety.
• Herb Variation: Swap thyme for rosemary for a woodier, more aromatic touch.
• Add Citrus: A bit of clementine or tangerine juice enhances the sweetness and seasonal brightness.

Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead?

Yes – this Christmas cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance. Prepare and shape the cheese mixture, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Roll it in the pistachio and cranberry mixture just before serving for the best texture and colour. It’s the perfect make-ahead holiday appetizer when you’re entertaining a crowd.

More Delicious Recipes

Are you looking for more fun recipes like this cranberry pistachio cheese ball? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Antipasto Cheese Ball for Holiday Entertaining
• Cranberry Brie Puff Pastry Bites – A Festive Holiday Appetizer
• Festive Mini Cheese Balls Appetizer with Cranberries and Pistachios
• Festive Holiday Pistachio Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball
• Christmas Lingonberry Brie Naan Pizza: A Festive Appetizer

I’d love for you to try this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball. If you give this festive cheese appetizer recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball – A Festive Holiday Appetizer

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Festive Cheese and Appetizers, Christmas, Cheese Dips and Spreads

Servings

12-16

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Chilling time

1

hour

Cranberry pistachio cheese ball made with cheddar, goat cheese, thyme, and orange zest – an easy, festive holiday appetizer.

Cook Mode

Keep the screen of your device on

Ingredients

• 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar

• 1 cup (200 g) soft goat cheese, at room temperature

• 2/3 cup (150 g) cream cheese, at room temperature

• 1/2 tsp. smoke paprika

• pinch of garlic powder

• 1 tbsp. fresh thyme

• 1 tbsp. grated orange zest

• 2/3 – 1 cup (100-125 g) salted pistachios, roughly chopped, divided

• 2/3 – 1 cup (100-150 g) dried cranberries, divided

Directions

• Place the cream cheese and goat cheese in a large bowl and mix until combined. Stir in the cheddar, paprika, thyme, garlic powder, orange juice and zest.
• Add 1/3 cup each pistachios and cranberries and mix once again to combine. You might need to add a bit of
• Roll the mixture into a ball. If it’s too sticky, refrigerate for 30 minutes. Otherwise, take the remaining pistachios and cranberries and cover the cheese ball gently pressing the topping into the cheese and gently turning the ball to coat all sides.
• Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and chill for an hour or until ready to serve.