• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cheese Curd In Paradise

  • Recipe Index
  • Weekly Meal Plan
  • The Serial Killer Cookbook
  • Contact Me!
  • Work with Me!
  • Legal/Privacy
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipe Index
  • Weekly Meal Plan
  • The Serial Killer Cookbook
  • Contact Me!
  • Work with Me!
  • Legal/Privacy
×

Home » Holiday » Christmas » Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

Published: Dec 16, 2019 · Modified: Dec 18, 2019 by Ashley Lecker · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Yummly
  • Mix
Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

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.

cheese ball on a plate with crackers around it

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!

cheese ball on a plate with crackers around it

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
cheese ball on a plate with crackers around it

How do you make Cranberry and Pistachio Cheese Ball?

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add cream cheese, bacon, green onion, chopped cranberries, chopped pistachios, and ground ginger.
  2. Using a spatula, mix till smooth.
  3. Place two pieces of plastic wrap on the counter and form and x-shape. The pieces should be about 12-15 inches each.
  4. Place cheese ball in the center. Wrap in plastic and form into a smooth ball.
  5. Store in fridge for at least 2 hours.
  6. 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.

cheese ball on a plate with crackers around it

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

Cheese ball on a cracker

Are you following me yet? What are you waiting for?

  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
cheese ball on a plate with crackers around it

Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 2 hrs
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 12 people

Ingredients
 
 

  • 16 oz plain cream cheese, softened
  • ⅓ cup chopped cranberries
  • ⅓ cup chopped pistachios
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • ¼ cup Bacon Pieces
  • 2 tablespoon sliced Fresh Green Onions
  • ⅓ 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.
Tried this recipe? I'd love to see it! Mention @CheeseCurdInParadise or tag #cheesecurdinparadise on Instagram!
cheese ball on a plate with crackers around it

Cheese Curd In Paradise uses affiliate links. These links are at no additional cost to the reader and/or user. However, Cheese Curd In Paradise will make commission is you click the link AND make a purchase.

« Meat Lovers Breakfast Casserole
One-Pot Ham and Cheese Pasta {Leftover Ham Recipe} »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle Cannon

    December 17, 2019 at 11:26 pm

    Oh my gosh! I love all the ingredients! What a great appetizer!

    Reply
  2. Ben Myhre

    December 18, 2019 at 6:39 am

    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.

    Reply
  3. Sandhya Ramakrishnan

    December 18, 2019 at 4:51 pm

    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!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Welcome!

Hi, I am Ashley. I am a busy mom and wife working to make family, food, and life an adventure!

Search Cheese Curd In Paradise

Recent Posts

  • Italian Wedding Soup Skillet
  • Grilled Balsamic Honey Pork Tenderloin
  • Grilled Sweet Potatoes In Foil
  • Grilled Chicken Caprese
  • Grilled Zesty Greek Chicken

Copyright © 2022 · Cheese Curd In Paradise

  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Yummly
  • Mix