Pecan and Gouda Cheese Ball with Cranberries

This holiday pecan cheese ball is filled with smoked gouda, dried cranberries and rosemary, and is perfect for entertaining!

I’m not sure why I waited so long to fall in love with cheese balls. Maybe it’s because they often play more of a supporting role at parties, and get lost amongst other more flashier or glamorous dishes.

But now I know the truth. Now I know that hidden amongst a pile of crackers, and behind the punch bowl, is where I can find my most favorite party appetizer— the flavorful and addictive cheese ball.

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When it comes to cheese balls, homemade is the only way to go. Skip the pre-made cheese ball from the deli counter, and instead make your own. They are super simple to assemble, and the taste is monumentally better.

This particular cheese ball is my newest  creation, inspired by my favorite chicken salad sandwich recipe, as odd as that sounds. I love the sweet and savory combination of shallots, rosemary and dried cranberries with the cheeses and pecans.

Whether you’re relaxing with loved ones on Christmas day, or ringing in the new year, do it with a cheese ball! You won’t be sorry.

get the recipe

Pecan and Gouda Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Rosemary

Yield: 2 cheese balls

These cheese balls filled with gouda, rosemary, and cranberries, and rolled in pecans, are perfect for holiday entertaining.

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 packages (1 lb, 455 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 8 ounces (about 2 cups, 226 grams) gouda cheese, shredded
• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (28 grams) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup (110 grams) Diamond of California Pecan Chips or finely chopped pecans

Directions:

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a bowl with a hand-held mixer, combine the cream cheese, gouda, shallot, cranberries, rosemary, lemon juice, salt and pepper until smooth.
2. Divide the mixture in half and shape into two balls. Place the pecans in a shallow bowl and roll the cheese balls in the pecans until they're coated. Let harden in the fridge for 2 hours before serving. Cheese balls will keep in the fridge for a few days.