Mediterranean Christmas Cranberry Walnut Cheese Ball
This Mediterranean-style Christmas cheese ball blends creamy cheeses with fresh herbs, tangy cranberries, crunchy walnuts, and a touch of honey for sweetness. A festive, ruby-red coating of walnuts + cranberries makes it perfect for holiday tables. Serve with pita chips, crackers, or veggie sticks!
⏳ Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hr 15 min
🧾 INGREDIENTS
Cheese Ball Base
1 cup cream cheese (softened)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella OR white cheddar
2 tbsp Greek yogurt (for creaminess)
2 tbsp honey
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh chives or green onion, finely chopped
¼ tsp black pepper
Pinch of salt (optional — feta is salty)
Mix-ins (Inside the Cheese Ball)
⅓ cup dried cranberries, chopped
⅓ cup walnuts, chopped
2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (Mediterranean twist!)
1 tbsp chopped olives (optional)
Coating (Outside)
½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
½ cup toasted walnuts, chopped
1 tbsp chopped parsley
To Serve
Pita chips
Rosemary crackers
Sliced cucumbers
Sliced apples or pears
Warm toasted baguette slices
🍴 INSTRUCTIONS
1. Make the Cheese Base
1. In a large bowl, combine:
- cream cheese
- feta
- mozzarella
- Greek yogurt
- honey
- lemon zest
- herbs
- black pepper
2. Beat with a spatula or mixer until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the Mediterranean Mix-ins
1. Fold in:
- chopped cranberries
- walnuts
- sun-dried tomatoes
- optional olives
2. Mix until evenly distributed.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball
1. Place mixture on plastic wrap.
2. Gather into a ball shape and wrap tightly.
3. Refrigerate 1 hour (or freeze 20 minutes) to firm up.
4. Prepare the Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix:
chopped cranberries
chopped toasted walnuts
parsley
5. Roll and Decorate
1. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball.
2. Roll it in the cranberry–walnut mixture until fully coated.
3. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks.
4. Optionally garnish with:
a sprig of rosemary
extra cranberries
honey drizzle
6. Serve
Place the cheese ball in the center of a platter and surround with crackers, pita, fruits, and veggies.
💡 TIPS & NOTES
Toasting walnuts increases flavor — 5 minutes in a dry pan.
For EXTRA Mediterranean flavor, add roasted garlic or fresh oregano.
You can make this 2–3 days ahead — store in the fridge wrapped tightly.
For a wreath shape: Form into a ring instead of a ball and coat the outside.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this cheese ball nut-free?
Yes. Replace walnuts with pumpkin or sunflower seeds.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes — freeze before coating. Thaw in the fridge, then roll in coating.
Q: What can replace feta?
Goat cheese works wonderfully and adds tanginess.
🍽️ Nutritional information
Calories: 170
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 11g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g