White Cheddar Craisins Cheese Ball Dip – A Savory, Tangy, and Sweet Appetizer for Any Occasion

This White Cheddar Craisins Cheese Ball Dip combines the sharpness of white cheddar, the creaminess of cream cheese, and the sweet-tart flavor of dried cranberries (or Craisins), all wrapped up in a crunchy pecan coating. It’s the perfect addition to any party spread, holiday gathering, or snack night at home. Easy to make and a total crowd-pleaser, this cheese ball pairs beautifully with crackers, bread, or sliced veggies.

Scroll down for the recipe!

Photo bypinterest

The Inspiration Behind White Cheddar Craisins Cheese Ball Dip

Cheese balls are a classic party appetizer, but this one takes it up a notch with the combination of sharp white cheddar and sweet Craisins. The flavors are perfectly balanced with the addition of garlic, parsley, and green onions, adding depth and freshness. Rolling the cheese ball in toasted pecans adds a satisfying crunch to every bite, making it both texturally interesting and visually stunning. This dish is perfect for any holiday table or casual get-together!

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Ball Dip

This cheese ball dip is the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet. The cream cheese makes it smooth and spreadable, while the white cheddar adds sharpness. The Craisins offer a burst of sweetness, and the toasted pecans bring a warm, nutty crunch. Best of all, this appetizer is incredibly easy to make ahead, saving you time before your event. Plus, it's highly customizable—feel free to tweak the flavors to match your preferences or to suit whatever you have on hand.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 8 Servings):

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 270mg

This cheese ball is indulgent yet balanced with a mix of fats, protein, and a touch of natural sweetness from the Craisins.

Photo bypinterest

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This cheese ball is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. Pair it with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables like celery and cucumber slices for a colorful presentation. For extra flair, consider serving it with fruit like apple or pear slices, which complement the sweetness of the Craisins. A nice sparkling wine or a crisp, dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc would be the perfect drink to serve alongside this dip.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you’re prepping this cheese ball ahead of time, simply shape it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days before serving. If you’ve already coated it in pecans, it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days as the nuts may lose their crunch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To serve, allow the cheese ball to soften at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes to make it easier to spread.

Fun Fact: The Cheese Ball’s History

The cheese ball became popular in American cuisine in the 1940s and 1950s, often served as a festive holiday appetizer. Its appeal lies in its versatility—you can mix and match cheeses, nuts, and add-ins like dried fruit or herbs, making it customizable for different occasions.

Photo bypinterest

Cooking Tips

• Make Sure the Cheese is Soft: To make mixing easier, ensure the cream cheese and cheddar are at room temperature.
• Customize the Herbs: Don’t have rosemary on hand? No worries! You can substitute with thyme, sage, or even leave the herbs out entirely if you prefer.
• Toast the Pecans: Toasting the pecans before coating the cheese ball enhances their nutty flavor and makes them even crunchier.

Optional Variations

• Add Bacon: For a savory twist, fold in crispy bacon bits into the cheese mixture before shaping it into a ball.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to give the cheese ball a hint of heat, balancing the sweetness of the Craisins.
• Use Different Nuts: If you don’t have pecans, try coating the cheese ball in toasted walnuts or almonds instead.

White Cheddar Craisins Cheese Ball Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 8 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 1 ½ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
• ⅔ cup Craisins or dried cranberries (chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• ¼ cup green onion (thinly sliced)
• ½ teaspoon minced fresh rosemary (optional)

Instructions:

1. Toast the Pecans:In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes until they are lightly browned and fragrant. Remove the pecans from the pan and spread them out on a plate to cool completely.
2. Mix the Ingredients:In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, chopped Craisins, garlic, parsley, green onion, and rosemary (if using). Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. The mixture will be quite thick, so you may need to mix by hand to ensure everything is fully combined.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball:Once the ingredients are fully mixed, shape the mixture into an even ball about 4 inches in diameter. This will be the cheese ball base.
4. Coat with Pecans:Roll the cheese ball in the cooled chopped pecans, pressing lightly to ensure the nuts stick to the surface and evenly coat the outside of the ball.
5. Serve or Store:You can serve the cheese ball immediately with crackers, bread, or sliced vegetables, or store it in the fridge for 1-2 days until you're ready to serve. Just allow the cheese ball to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving so it's easy to spread.

Final Thoughts

This White Cheddar Craisins Cheese Ball Dip is the perfect blend of sharp, sweet, and savory flavors, making it a standout appetizer for any occasion. With its crunchy pecan coating and rich, creamy interior, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you serve it for a holiday party, game day, or just as a fun snack, this cheese ball is an easy and delicious option that will have everyone coming back for more!