This Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree is a festive showstopper for any holiday spread. Rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bold blue cheese are studded with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, then shaped into a charming tree that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped pecans and cranberries for decoration
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Beat or stir until the cheeses are well combined, smooth, and evenly incorporated.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and roughly shape it into a mound.
- Use your hands (over the plastic wrap) to mold the cheese into a cone or tree shape, pressing firmly to compact it.
- Wrap the shaped cheese tree tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese tree and place it on a plate or tray.
- Press additional chopped pecans and cranberries all over the outside of the tree to create a decorative, textured coating.
- Transfer the cheese ball tree carefully to your serving platter. Tuck fresh parsley sprigs around the base and at the top to resemble greenery.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables.
Variation
- Swap the blue cheese for goat cheese or additional cheddar for a milder, creamier flavor that’s still rich and festive.
- Add finely chopped cooked bacon or prosciutto to the cheese mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
- Shape the cheese into smaller mini trees or ornaments instead of one large tree for individual servings on a party platter.
Cooking Notes
- Use full-fat cheeses for the best flavor and structure; lower-fat versions can be softer and harder to shape.
- If the mixture feels too soft to form, chill it for 20–30 minutes, then shape and chill again until firm.
- Wet your hands lightly or use food-safe gloves when shaping the tree to keep the cheese from sticking to your fingers.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the cheese ball tree in the center of a large platter surrounded by assorted crackers, breadsticks, and sliced baguette.
- Add colorful fresh veggies like cucumber rounds, bell pepper strips, and cherry tomatoes for a lighter dipping option.
- Pair with sparkling wine, crisp white wine, or a light red to complement the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
Tips
- Make the cheese mixture and shape the tree up to 24 hours ahead; coat with nuts and cranberries closer to serving time for the freshest look.
- For a more defined tree shape, chill the cone upright in a small bowl or glass to help it hold its form.
- If serving a crowd, double the recipe and create one large centerpiece tree or a trio of smaller trees at varying heights.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 10 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this Christmas cheese ball tree ahead of time?
– Yes. You can prepare and shape the cheese tree up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it wrapped and refrigerated, then coat with extra pecans and cranberries just before serving for the freshest texture and appearance. - How long can the cheese ball tree sit out at a party?
– For food safety, it’s best to leave it out no longer than 2 hours at room temperature. If your gathering runs longer, return it to the fridge for a bit, then bring it back out as needed. - What can I use instead of blue cheese if my guests don’t like it?
– You can replace the blue cheese with more sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a mild gouda. The tree will still be flavorful, just without the strong blue cheese tang. - Can I make this nut-free for guests with allergies?
– Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans and use extra dried cranberries and chopped fresh herbs on the outside. You can also add festive pomegranate arils for color and crunch instead of nuts.
Conclusion
This Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree is the ultimate holiday centerpiece—rich, creamy cheeses blended with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, all sculpted into a playful, tree-shaped showpiece. It’s make-ahead friendly and endlessly scoopable, turning simple crackers and veggies into something special. Set it out at your next gathering and watch guests gather around for just one more bite.
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Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree
- Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (ovo-lacto)
Description
This Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree is a festive showstopper for any holiday spread. Rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bold blue cheese are studded with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy pecans, then shaped into a charming tree that’s as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped pecans and cranberries for decoration
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Beat or stir until the cheeses are well combined, smooth, and evenly incorporated.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and roughly shape it into a mound.
- Use your hands (over the plastic wrap) to mold the cheese into a cone or tree shape, pressing firmly to compact it.
- Wrap the shaped cheese tree tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese tree and place it on a plate or tray.
- Press additional chopped pecans and cranberries all over the outside of the tree to create a decorative, textured coating.
- Transfer the cheese ball tree carefully to your serving platter. Tuck fresh parsley sprigs around the base and at the top to resemble greenery.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so the cheeses blend smoothly and the mixture is easy to shape.
- Chilling time is essential—if the tree is too soft, it will slump instead of holding its festive shape.
- Adjust the amount of blue cheese to taste if you prefer a milder or bolder flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1/12 of cheese ball tree
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Christmas cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball tree, holiday appetizer, cheese board centerpiece, festive party food
