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.
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.
Pecan and Gouda Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Rosemary
Ingredients
- 2 packages cream cheese , at room temperature (1 lb, 455 grams)
- 8 ounces gouda cheese , shredded (about 2 cups, 226 grams)
- 1 small shallot , finely chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries , roughly chopped (28 grams)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary , chopped
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans (110 grams)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below, send me an email, or take a photo and tag it on instagram with #completelydelicious.
I’ve never tried cheese balls before – here in Italy they’re not much common – but have been seeing them quite often on the UK and American food blogs I follow. I just started to love cheese, so now I’m all about new ways to incorporate it into my diet and this little ball of goodness would be an amazing appetizer for Christmas!
xo, Elisa
I love all of the flavors in this – especially the rosemary and lemon!!! Yes please!! Merry Christmas friend!
Dude, this is one epic looking cheese ball! You can’t go wrong with gouda!
Wow, looks delicious! Happy Holidays & Merry *early* Christmas!
This looks so good! Anything with fresh rosemary is delicious!
This looks delicious! And I agree–homemade is the so much better than store-bought!
Hi. This sounds amazing. Before I make it though, I was wondering if the Gouda cheese amount should be 8 oz? 2 cups seems to be more than 8 oz. could you please clarify? I’ve never made a cheese ball before so please excuse the lack of experience on my part. Thank you. Oh, your recipes sound amazing. I can’t wait to try them!!!
Hi Lu. The recipe calls for 2 packages of cream cheese, not 2 cups. Hope this helps!
I think maybe she was talking about the shredded Gouda? But not totally sure! I’m excited to try this! Xo
Lu. 2 cups is fine because it’s not by weight but by vilume. The shredded cheese is light. Don’t pack it down
Great recipe, very easy to make, and everyone liked it. I did add more lemon juice, used 3 tsp. But I like lemon.