Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

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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.

8 thoughts on “Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

  1. Kim Lange says:

    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!!

  2. Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says:

    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!

  3. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says:

    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!
    Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary recently posted…Baked Orange Cranberry Chicken & RiceMy Profile

  4. Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says:

    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! ;)
    Leanne | Crumb Top Baking recently posted…Dark Chocolate Cranberry Bundt CakeMy Profile

  5. David @ Spiced says:

    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. :-)
    David @ Spiced recently posted…Beef BourguignonMy Profile

  6. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says:

    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 :)

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