Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball with orange zest, thyme, and smoked paprika is an elegant and festive appetizer which will entertain a crowd. However, it’s so delicious that you might not want to share!
Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball
Hey, hey, hey. There are only two weeks until Christmas, so like the previous week, I am keeping this super elegant and classy today. And please don’t even ask if I have finished my Christmas shopping – rather ask if I have started it yet. I’m trying to convince Andrey to have a “No Gifts This Christmas” or “Gift Certificates” policies this year, but it looks I will need to manage my shopping somehow. Indeed, I bought Andrey a beautiful present a month ago; that was a nice crystal music ball with a winter theme. What’s the problem with that gift? – you might ask me. Well, technically nothing. It was a nice thing. The problem is that I am horrible at hiding and waiting, so I ended up giving it away on the same day. Eh. In my excuse, I waited for about 5 or 7 hours.
Now I am thinking if this counted as an early Christmas gift. And if I’ve got to buy another one, should I do it now or wait until almost Christmas? You see: that’s complicated.
But at least this Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball will not cause any harm – only lots of enjoyment (Let’s skip the part that you can end up gaining an extra pound or so. This cheese ball has zero calories and fats. Period.)
That’s not surprising. It’s super scrumptious, and it looks fancy too. Let’s count: cheddar, cream cheese, goat cheese, orange juice and zest, garlic, thyme, and – hello yes – salted pistachios and cranberries! Who can ever resist? By the way, don’t be afraid of adding salted pistachios as plain cream cheese and goat cheese will balance it out; but you’re certainly welcome to use unsalted ones.
Not only is the combination of pistachios and cranberries is delicious, but it also looks festive. That’s why I believe this Cranberry Pistachio Cheeseball will be a great addition to your holiday’s celebration. Just try not eating the entire cheese ball all by yourself (I won’t judge you, though. I might or might not have done this myself).
Cheers and see you soon.
Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball
12-16
servings30
minutes1
Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball with orange zest, thyme, and smoked paprika is an elegant and festive appetizer which will entertain a crowd.
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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.
Hi – I’m Ben, a blogger, recipe developer, and food photographer. I’m glad you’re here! I hope you will enjoy hundreds of delicious recipes and a pinch of havoc in the kitchen.
Hi Ben! I just can’t wait to give this try. I would love to serve something for Christmas dinner that my family and I haven’t tried. This is indeed the perfect, festive appetizer!
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Jessica
Such a yummy cheeseball! I really love the way it looks! So beautifully rustic and jam packed with cranberries and pistachios and all those cheeses! Pinning for later for the holidays!!
Ben, I’ve never made a cheese ball before and this looks amazing! At least when you have a present for Andrey you don’t have to hide it away. I have to hide all Lynne’s Christmas presents because she goes looking for them!
Hahaha! Ben, I have the same problem as you. I find great Christmas presents for people and just can’t wait to give them their gifts, then I’m stuck looking for something else last minute :). Someday I’ll have a little patience! Anyway, I love cranberries and pistachios so I want to try this cheese ball sooner rather than later. Hope you’re having a great week!
Well, we have something else in common, Ben! I already gave Boy his Christmas gifts too! LOL. Mostly because he just pesters me to death so I cave and let him have the gifts early. ;) Anyways, I am a HUGE fan of cheese balls! I mean, you just can’t have a holiday party without one or three of them! And this cheese ball is perfection! I’m loving the tart salty combination here! I definitely would not want to share this!! ALL the cheese ball for me! Cheers!
Cheese balls are a must at Christmas and this cranberry pistachio combo is perfect. I always want to give my husband his gifts right away, but resist the urge knowing that I’ll have to go out closer to Christmas to find him something else. Christmas wouldn’t feel right if he didn’t have anything to open! Best of luck with your shopping Ben! ;)
3 different kinds of cheese!? And that salty + sweet combo? This cheese ball wouldn’t last long in my house at all. I love it! I’m a fan of cheese balls during the holidays, but I don’t really like the store-bought versions. Homemade is the way to go! I can save you some time buying presents for me, Ben. Just send me this cheese ball, and we’ll be good. :-)
That’s hilarious that you can’t wait to give gifts! I can understand that though, especially if it’s something that you are super excited about too ;) Hubby and I are hosting a party this weekend for family and I was thinking about making cheese balls and this one would be perfect! Love the smoked paprika in there…must contrast so deliciously with the cranberries. Have an awesome weekend ahead, Ben :)