Make it festive this holiday season with my delicious Cranberry Cheese Ball shaped like Santa’s hat! This is the cutest way to bring a holiday appetizer to any gathering this season. It’s not only charming, it’s so much fun to make!

A cranberry cheeseball in the shape of a Santa's hat, on a plate surrounded by crackers.

I’ve always enjoyed creating food that looks as good as it tastes when entertaining. It’s the little things that can make occasions memorable! Whether you’re bringing a single appetizer or curating the entire menu, make it count! Santa’s hat cranberry cheese ball does just that! It’s a creative Christmas idea that will have everyone talking.

It’s true, I love cheeseballs in every shape, flavor and style. Who can argue with ALL.THE.CHEESE? There’s a Christmas cheese ball for everyone around here! Check out my Reindeer Bacon Cheddar Cheeseball, Pesto Cheeseball Wreath, Ornament Pomegranate Christmas Cheese Ball and Funfetti Dessert Snowman Cheese Ball.

This holiday cheese ball is fun to make, easy, delicious and most importantly, festive – and it’s one of my favorite cranberry recipes. The best bonus of all is that cheese balls can be made ahead of time, too.

A cranberry cheeseball in the shape of a Santa's hat, on a white plate.

Ingredients

Cream Cheese – The base of all cheese balls, this gives it substance, yet maintains a creamy texture. You can learn How to Soften Cream Cheese here.
White Cheddar – Sharp cheddar adds a lot of flavor to this appetizer. When possible, freshly shred from a block for the creamiest results.
Worcestershire Sauce – a hint of Worcestershire adds so much flavor to this easy appetizer.
Garlic – You can use fresh garlic cloves, but I often opt for bottled minced garlic available at the grocery store It’s one of my favorite shortcuts! In a pinch, substitute a teaspoon of garlic powder.
Dried Cranberries – Any kind will work!

Variations

Add half a cup of crumbled bacon
Chopped Pecans – you can add chopped pecans into the mixture or roll it into a ball and coat with cranberry pecans.
Green Onion or Chives – want to add a little spice? Green onion adds a little color and flavor.
Go Gorgonzola – substitute white cheddar with gorgonzola or blue cheese. It pairs well with the sweet tangy cranberries.
Make it miniature – create individual mini cheese ball bites and serve on a pretzel stick or toothpick.
Substitute Cream Cheese with Goat Cheese.

Tools to Use

Cheese Grater
or Food Processor (for shredding the cheese in this recipe)
Mixing Bowl

Tips

Cheese balls are a great make ahead appetizer. Store refrigerated up to a week wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
Be sure to cover your cranberry cheese ball tightly. This not only helps it keep its shape when you refrigerate, but it prevents air from getting inside and drying it out before serving.
Fresh shredded cheese is always best! Pre-shredded bagged cheese is covered in substance meant to keep it from sticking – which also keeps it from a creamy finish in your recipes.
This is delicious at room temperature but it can certainly be served cold right out of the fridge. It’s delicious either way, which is why it’s such a perfect make-ahead party food!

A cranberry cheese ball shaped into a santa hat in a kitchen

Serving Suggestions

Pear and apple slices are firm for effortless spreading. Just toss them in lemon juice to prevent browning.
Carrots and celery are the perfect low-carb alternative to serve with a cheese ball.
Crostini – it’s my favorite pairing! Crunchy crostini is the ultimate way to enjoy a cheese spread, especially when drizzled in olive oil.
Salty pretzels are great.
Buttery crackers are always a favorite with this cheese ball.

A Cranberry cheeseball in the shape of a Santa hat, surrounded by crackers on a white platter.

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Cranberry Cheese Ball

By Julie Blanner

Make it festive this holiday season with a delicious Cranberry Cheese Ball shaped like Santa's hat!

Prep: 20

refrigerate one hour: 1

Total: 1 20

Servings:

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Ingredients

▢ 16 ounces cream cheese softened
▢ 16 ounces white cheddar cheese shredded
▢ 1 tablespoon garlic minced
▢ 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
▢ 6 ounces dried cranberries
▢ 1 large marshmallow optional, for top of hat

Instructions

Combine cream cheese (less a small handful to create a ball for the hat), cheddar cheese, worcestershire sauce and garlic in a mixing bowl.
16 ounces cream cheese, 16 ounces white cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon garlic, 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
Mold into desired shape.
Roll onto parchment lined in dried cranberries, or try pressing them into the cheese ball with your hands.Place on platter.
6 ounces dried cranberries
Optional: roll cream cheese into a ball, insert toothpick and insert it into the top of the hat.
1 large marshmallow
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Allow to set out 20 minutes before serving with crackers, pretzels, pita chips or veggies.