Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls – A Holiday Favorite

You know how every family has that one recipe that just feels like the holidays? Not because it’s fancy or complicated, but because it shows up every single year — no matter what else changes. For us, it’s these cranberry walnut cheese balls. They’ve been around longer than some of my cousins, honestly. Someone always makes them. Sometimes it’s me, sometimes it’s my mom, sometimes it’s whoever happens to remember to pick up the cream cheese before the stores close.

They’re not flashy, but they never fail to disappear first from the snack table. The kind of thing you think, “Oh, I’ll just have a bite,” and then before you know it, you’re standing there with a cracker in one hand, your drink in the other, and you’ve somehow had three. There’s something about that creamy, tangy cheese with those sweet pops of cranberry and the little crunch of walnuts that just works. It tastes cozy, familiar — like twinkling lights and laughter coming from the next room.

Every time I make them, I forget how easy they are. You just mash everything together, shape it, roll it in more cranberries and nuts, and chill it. That’s it. But somehow, when you bring it out — with the cheese glistening and the little red bits peeking through — people think you worked magic. The truth is, it’s basically a bowl of holiday spirit rolled into a ball.

The best part, though? Making them ahead and knowing that when people start showing up, you’ve already got something waiting. There’s a quiet kind of satisfaction in that — having something homemade and thoughtful without the stress. Just set it out with crackers or apple slices, and it’s instant warmth.

Anyway, if you’ve never made these before, I really hope you do. And if you have — well, you already know why they’re special.

Ingredients

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
• ⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped
• ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tsp honey (optional, but I like the balance it gives)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Extra chopped cranberries and walnuts for rolling

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix everything — cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, walnuts, green onions, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overthink it; just stir until it all comes together.
2. Shape it into one big cheese ball, or several smaller ones if you like things snack-sized.
3. Roll the cheese balls in extra chopped cranberries and walnuts until they’re nicely coated.
4. Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so they firm up.
5. When ready to serve, take them out and let them soften just a bit at room temperature. Serve with crackers, crostini, or even slices of apple (trust me — that combo’s amazing).

Nutritional Info (per serving – makes 8)

Calories: 190 | Protein: 6g | Carbs: 6g | Fat: 16g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 180mg

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely. They’re actually better the next day — the flavors settle and meld together. Just keep them covered in the fridge.

2. What if I don’t like walnuts?
No problem. Pecans work beautifully, or even almonds. You can skip nuts completely and just coat them in chopped cranberries and herbs for a softer bite.

3. Can I use a different cheese?
Sure! A sharp white cheddar or even a bit of blue cheese mixed in gives it a deeper flavor. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well into the cream cheese base.

4. How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Press the cranberries and nuts in gently while rolling — and make sure the cheese balls aren’t too cold when you coat them, or the outer layer won’t stick as well.

5. What do you serve with them?
Crackers are the classic choice, but I really love them with sliced green apples. The crisp sweetness against the tangy cheese is just…

Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls – A Holiday Favorite

Recipe by Salma Recipe

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• * 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• * 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar

• * ⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped

• * ⅓ cup walnuts, toasted and finely chopped

• * 2 green onions, finely chopped

• * 1 tsp honey (optional, but I like the balance it gives)

• * ¼ tsp garlic powder

• * Salt and pepper, to taste

• * Extra chopped cranberries and walnuts for rolling

Directions

• In a bowl, mix everything — cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, walnuts, green onions, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Don’t overthink it; just stir until it all comes together.
• Shape it into one big cheese ball, or several smaller ones if you like things snack-sized.
• Roll the cheese balls in extra chopped cranberries and walnuts until they’re nicely coated.
• Pop them in the fridge for at least 30 minutes so they firm up.
• When ready to serve, take them out and let them soften just a bit at room temperature. Serve with crackers, crostini, or even slices of apple (trust me — that combo’s amazing).