Alright, let’s talk about a show-stopper for your next gathering! This Cranberry & Walnut Cheese Ball is ridiculously easy to make yet looks and tastes sophisticated. Our Berry & Brine Cranberry Chutney is the hero of this recipe, adding that perfect tart-sweet balance to rich, creamy cheese. Paired with walnuts and a hint of fresh rosemary, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite. You’ll love how the chutney's sweet and tangy notes play off the smooth cream cheese, with a bit of crunch from the walnuts to round it out. And presentation? This cheese ball looks amazing on a platter surrounded by crostini, pretzel chips, or even sliced baguette. It’s a holiday hit—or honestly, a treat for any time you want to impress without much fuss!
Table of content
What is in a Cranberry & Walnut Cheese Ball
Cream Cheese (8 oz block)
The base of this cheese ball, cream cheese is mild, creamy, and the perfect canvas for mixing in flavorful ingredients. Go for a full-fat variety to get that rich, decadent taste we’re aiming for here.Berry & Brine Cranberry Chutney (1 jar, divided)
Our Cranberry Chutney is essential for that sweet-tart kick in this recipe. It’s made with carefully selected cranberries, balanced with a touch of sweetness, and packed with seasonal flavor. Half of it goes into the cheese ball mixture, and the rest creates a perfect base for plating.Walnut Halves (1 cup, processed into crumb)
Walnuts add a lovely nutty crunch that contrasts with the smooth cream cheese and chutney. They’re full of healthy fats and add that festive flair, especially when processed into a fine crumb for easy coating.Fresh Rosemary Leaves (2 tsp, processed into crumb)
Rosemary adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the cranberries and walnuts beautifully. Fresh rosemary brings out the best flavors, so avoid dried here.Pepper to Taste
A dash of pepper cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and enhances the other flavors. Black pepper works great for a subtle heat.
Tools you will need to make a Cranberry & Walnut Cheese Ball
- Medium mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
- Food processor (for walnuts and rosemary)
- Plastic wrap
- Round serving plate
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[RECIPE] Cranberry & Walnut Cheese Ball
A simple yet stunning cheese ball featuring Berry & Brine Cranberry Chutney, walnuts, and rosemary. Perfect for any gathering—tangy, creamy, and full of festive flavors!
Ingredients
- 1 8 oz block of cream cheese
- 1 jar Berry & Brine Cranberry Chutney, divided
- 1 cup walnut halves, processed into crumb
- 2 tsp fresh rosemary leaves, processed into crumb
- Pepper to taste
Directions
Prep the Cheese Ball Base
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese and half of the Berry & Brine Cranberry Chutney with a spoon until fully combined.Shape the Cheese Ball
Form the mixture into a ball, wrap it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for about 15 minutes to let it firm up.Create the Coating
Process the walnuts and rosemary in a food processor until they’re finely crumbed, then spread this mixture on a plate.Roll and Coat
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the walnut-rosemary crumb until it’s evenly coated.Plate the Cheese Ball
On a round serving plate, spoon the remaining chutney into the center, creating a little base. Place the cheese ball on top, right in the center of the chutney.Serve and Enjoy
Surround with crostini, bread, or pretzel chips for dipping, and watch it disappear!
This Cranberry & Walnut Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleaser, combining tangy chutney, creamy cheese, and a bit of crunch in every bite. It’s the perfect mix of flavors, all brought together with the unique twist of Berry & Brine’s Cranberry Chutney. Enjoy watching friends and family dig in—this is sure to be the first dish to disappear at any gathering!
Products used in the Cranberry & Walnut Cheese Ball
How can I make this recipe nut-free?
Going nut-free with this recipe is super easy! If you’re looking to avoid walnuts, you can replace them with a crunchy alternative like crushed pretzels or crispy rice cereal. Both options add that satisfying crunch without any nuts. Another idea is to use seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds; just give them a quick chop or pulse in a food processor to get a similar crumbly texture. These alternatives keep the cheese ball interesting and provide that nice texture contrast without compromising on flavor. Perfect for accommodating any guests with nut allergies!
Can I use a dairy-free cheese?
Yes, you can absolutely go dairy-free here! There are some fantastic dairy-free cream cheese options that work really well in this recipe. Look for a high-quality, almond- or cashew-based cream cheese that has a smooth, spreadable texture. Some brands even have slightly tangy flavors, which can mimic the taste of traditional cream cheese nicely. Just mix it with the Berry & Brine Cranberry Chutney as usual, and you’ll have a delicious, creamy base that’s friendly for anyone avoiding dairy. It still pairs beautifully with the walnuts and rosemary for that tasty, festive vibe!
What other chutney could I use in this recipe?
If you’re up for experimenting, there are some great chutney swaps! A spiced apple chutney or fig chutney would both taste amazing in this cheese ball. Just make sure it has a nice balance of sweet and tangy flavors to keep that delicious contrast with the cream cheese. For a bit more zing, try a pear ginger chutney or even something with a hint of spice, like mango chili. Each option brings a slightly different vibe to the cheese ball, but they all keep that festive feel and pair beautifully with the walnuts and rosemary.
