Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

A cheese ball on a white platter with pretzels around it.

A soft, creamy cheese ball that is the star at any party. Prepared in just five minutes with creamy cheese, herbs, sweet cranberries, and pistachios for extra texture and crunch.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Keyword crackers, holiday, party

Prep Time 5

Total Time 5

Servings -12 servings

Calories 90kcal

Author Elizabeth Van Lierde

Ingredients

2 Packages 8 oz cream cheese, at room temp
2 tbsp sour cream
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
Heavy Pinch of kosher salt or to taste
2 tbsp minced rosemary reserve 1 tbsp for topping
⅓ cup dried cranberries or cherries reserve 2 tbsp for topping
3 tbsp green onions finely diced reserve 1 tbsp for topping
1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar cheese reserve ½ cup for topping
¼ cup chopped pistachios +2 tbsp for topping

Instructions

Mix the ingredients: In a medium bowl mix together cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, kosher salt, rosemary, dried cranberries, green onions, white cheddar cheese and pistachios.
Shape into a ball: Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap onto a flat surface and transfer the cheese mixture to the center. Wrap the cream cheese and form into a ball.
Chill: Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes or until the ball is semi-firm.
Mix toppings together: Add remaining 2 tbsp rosemary, 1/3 cup dried cranberries, 1 tbsp green onions, ½ cup cheese, and ¼ cup of pistachios to a baking sheet. Mix together until evenly dispersed.
Roll in toppings: Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and onto the baking sheet. Roll the ball into toppings until evenly coated.
Serve: Transfer to a serving platter and serve with a variety of crackers, pretzels, chips and veggies

Notes

*The cream cheese is easier to incorporate when it's at room temperature.

Electric stand or hand mixer: Beat the cream cheese, sour cream and seasonings on medium speed until combined, then reduce the speed to low and mix in the remaining ingredients. Shape and chill as instructed.

Nutrition