Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball is a seasonal appetizer that will make everyone come back for more! Chopped cranberries and pistachios, ginger, bacon, and green onion make this flavor combination a favorite.
The holiday parties are in full force and it is still cheese ball season! I have expressed my love for these simple make-ahead appetizers, and I love making different variations.
This flavor combination is dried cranberries, shelled chopped pistachios, chopped crisp bacon, sliced green onions, and a little ground ginger. I love all of the different flavors from savory to sweet in this spread. I like to serve it with a simple cracker and veggies.
The fantastic thing about making a cheese ball for a holiday appetizer is that you can make it advance, store in the fridge, and then pull from the fridge right before you are ready to serve!
What do you need to make a Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball?
- Cream Cheese
- Dried Cranberries
- Pistachios
- Green Onion
- Bacon
- Ground Ginger
- Cracker
- Mixing Bowls
- Plastic Wrap
- Stirring Spatula
How do you make Cranberry and Pistachio Cheese Ball?
- In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, bacon, green onion, chopped cranberries, chopped pistachios, and ground ginger.
- Using a spatula, mix till smooth.
- Place two pieces of plastic wrap on the counter and form and x-shape. The pieces should be about 12-15 inches each.
- Place cheese ball in the center. Wrap in plastic and form into a smooth ball.
- Store in fridge for at least 2 hours.
- Remove from fridge and unwrap. Carefully, press cranberries into the cheese ball. Serve with crackers and fresh veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a flavored cream cheese?
Yes, but it will change the flavor or make a flavor more intense. A fruit flavor would be tasty!
Can I use a different type of fried fruit?
Yes, blueberries or cherries would work well!
Can I omit the bacon?
Yes, if you prefer this to me meat-free you can omit the bacon.
How far in advance can I make my cheese ball?
The cheese ball is good for about 2 weeks in the fridge, but I would give the cheese ball an additional layer of plastic wrap. When making it in advance make sure to add the topping when you are ready to serve.
Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Yes, I would double wrap the cheese ball, and do not add the toppings till it is thawed and ready to serve. The cheese ball can be thawed in the fridge.
Looking for more cheese ball recipes for the holidays and entertaining?
Dried Beef and Green Onion Cheese Ball
Cranberry Pecan Mini Cheese Balls
Everything But The Bagel Cheese Ball
Ham and Pineapple Cheese Ball from Kylee Cooks
Jalapeno Popper Cheese Ball from Kylee Cooks
Easy Cheddar Cheese Ball with Butter Roasted Apple Chips, Pecans and Rosemary from Vintage Kitty
Grinch Cheese Ball from Homemade Hooplah
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Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 oz plain cream cheese, softened
- 1/3 cup chopped cranberries
- 1/3 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1/4 cup Bacon Pieces
- 2 tbsp sliced Fresh Green Onions
- 1/3 cup dried cranberries, for topping
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, bacon, green onion, chopped cranberries, chopped pistachios, and ground ginger.
Using a spatula, mix till smooth.
Place two pieces of plastic wrap on the counter and form and x-shape. The pieces should be about 12-15 inches each.
Place cheese ball in the center. Wrap in plastic and form into a smooth ball.
Store in fridge for at least 2 hours.
Remove from fridge and unwrap. Carefully, press cranberries into the cheese ball. Serve with crackers and fresh veggies.
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Oh my gosh! I love all the ingredients! What a great appetizer!
This is a delicious looking appetizer. You are right… holiday parties ARE in full force and bringing a cheese ball is like bringing a ball of fun. 😉 This looks like it would be a winner.
I love cheese balls to serve as appetizers and this one with the cranberries and pistachios is screaming celebration! This is a great recipe to take to a holiday party. Happy Holidays to you and your family!