Cranberry Pistachio Cheeseball
A creamy, savory white cheddar cheeseball studded with sweet cranberries and rolled in crunchy pistachios. High in protein and healthy fats, this easy, no-bake appetizer is perfect for parties, holiday gatherings, or a simple snack with crackers.
Equipment
- 1 large mixing bowl
- 1 plastic wrap sheet (large enough to wrap cheeseball)
- 1 spatula or spoon
- 1 plate for serving
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ cup dried cranberries roughly chopped
- ½ cup pistachios chopped
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Base: Start by taking 8 ounces of cream cheese and letting it soften at room temperature for about 10–15 minutes. Softened cream cheese blends more easily and ensures a smooth, creamy texture. Place the cream cheese in a large mixing bowl, then add 2 cups of shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. The sharp cheddar provides a bold, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with sweet cranberries.
- Flavor the Cheese Mixture: Next, add 2 teaspoons of Dijon mustard and 1 ¼ teaspoons of garlic powder to the bowl. Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang, while garlic powder introduces a gentle savory depth without overpowering the cheeseball. Using a spatula or a sturdy spoon, mix all the ingredients thoroughly until the cream cheese and cheddar are fully combined, creating a thick, uniform mixture.
- Incorporate the Sweet Cranberries: Once your base mixture is smooth, fold in ½ cup of roughly chopped dried cranberries. The cranberries add a chewy texture and a hint of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the sharpness of the cheese. Make sure the cranberries are evenly distributed throughout the mixture so that every bite has a little pop of fruity flavor.
- Shape the Cheeseball: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap flat on your countertop or cutting board. Scoop the cheese mixture from the bowl and place it in the center of the plastic wrap. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap over the cheese mound and begin shaping it into a ball using your hands. Press and roll gently to form a smooth, compact sphere. This step is key to achieving a professional-looking cheeseball.
- Chill for Firmness: After shaping the ball, place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling allows the mixture to firm up, making it easier to handle and enhancing the flavor as the ingredients meld together. You can also cover it with the plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors.
- Coat with Crunchy Pistachios: Once chilled, carefully unwrap the cheeseball. Using small handfuls of chopped pistachios, gently press them onto the outer surface of the ball. Focus on covering the sides and top, leaving the bottom flat for easy serving. The pistachios add a satisfying crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy cheese and sweet cranberries perfectly.
- Present and Serve: Place the finished cheeseball on a serving plate. Arrange crackers around it, making it easy for guests to scoop portions. You can serve immediately or return it to the refrigerator until ready to serve. This cheeseball is ideal for parties, holiday gatherings, or simply as a protein-rich, satisfying snack.
Notes
- For best texture, allow the cream cheese to soften completely at room temperature before mixing.
- Roughly chop cranberries and pistachios to ensure even distribution and a balanced bite.
- The cheeseball can be made a day ahead and chilled, which enhances flavors.
- Use a large sheet of plastic wrap for shaping; this makes forming a smooth ball much easier.
- Press pistachios gently to avoid cracking the cheeseball while ensuring full coverage on top and sides.
- Pair with sturdy crackers or fresh vegetables for serving.
