Festive Holiday Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball

Add this Festive Cranberry Walnut Gouda Cheese Ball to your holiday season menu!

Packed with cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, gouda, dried cranberries, chives and spices, it’s rolled in crunchy walnuts for the perfect bite.

This festive cheese ball is the perfect addition to any holiday table!

A classic cheese ball is the perfect holiday appetizer for any holiday gathering. I love to make these mini cheese balls but having this festive cranberry walnut cheese ball in your appetizer repertoire is a must!

This festive homemade cheese ball can be served on it’s own with your favourite crackers and garnished with sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary sprigs. Or, make it the centrepiece of a cheese board.

Why you’ll love this festive cranberry walnut cheese ball recipe

• This is an easy appetizer to make using simple ingredients!
• A perfect addition to your Christmas menu.
• Make the cranberry walnut cheese ball ahead of time, up to one day, then take it out before guests arrive.
• You don’t need a food processor or any fancy equipment, just a mixing bowl.

Ingredients needed to make this cheese ball

Cream cheese: you’ll need a block of plain cream cheese for the base of this cranberry cheese ball recipe

White cheddar cheese: I like to use a sharp or old white cheddar cheese

Gouda cheese: I like the gouda in this recipe, it pairs lovely with all of the other flavours

Walnuts: walnuts add a nice crunch to this cheese ball

Dried cranberries: finely chopped dried cranberries add a nice touch for the holiday season

Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper help to flavour this cheese ball

Chives: chives add a nice herby flavour to the cheese ball but in a pinch you could use finely chopped green onions instead

Mustard: I love the flavour this Smak Dab Red Wine Cranberry Mustard brings to elevate this cheese ball; but there are great alternatives if you can’t find the mustard. See expert tips for suggestions!

How to make this cranberry walnut cheese ball

Step 1: To a bowl add softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, shredded gouda cheese, ¼ cup finely chopped walnuts, ¼ cup finely chopped dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, minced chives and red wine cranberry mustard. Mix well to combine.

Step 2: Put the cheese mixture into the fridge for 10-15 minutes – this will help make it easier to shape into a cheese ball.

Step 3: To a plate add the remaining finely chopped walnuts and finely chopped dried cranberries. Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and use your hands to form the mixture into a ball. Roll the cheeseball in the dried cranberries and nut mixture and wrap in plastic wrap. Place the cheeseball into the fridge again for at least 15 minutes or until ready to serve (up to one day).

Step 4: To serve, add the cheese ball to a serving plate along with your favorite crackers or crostini! You can garnish with fresh or sugared cranberries and fresh rosemary for a festive touch if desired.

Expert tips

• If you can’t find the Red Wine Cranberry Mustard, look for alternatives like: cranberry red wine jelly; cranberry horseradish sauce; holiday spiced cranberry sauce; cranberry orange jam; or cranberry spread.
• You can also make this cheese ball into mini individual cheese balls! One the base mixture is made, scoop out heaping tablespoonfuls and shape into mini small balls.
• Fresh herbs like chives are the best for a cheese ball, they bring such delicious flavour! If you don’t have chives, thinly sliced green onion will work or switch it up and use fresh parsley or fresh basil.

Common questions

What if I don’t have cranberry wine mustard?
If you can’t find the Red Wine Cranberry Mustard, look for alternatives like: cranberry red wine jelly; cranberry horseradish sauce; holiday spiced cranberry sauce; cranberry orange jam; or cranberry spread.

Are there any other cheeses I can use in this appetizer?
YES! You could substitute the old cheddar cheese for gruyere cheese or use shredded parmesan cheese instead of the gouda.

Can I make this cranberry walnut cheese ball ahead of time?
YES. If making this for a holiday party or get-together I’d recommend making only one day ahead so it has the most fresh flavours when serving. If you have leftover cheese ball, store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Is there a substitute for walnuts?
Different coatings that can be used instead of walnuts are chopped almonds, pecans or toasted breadcrumbs.

How to store this holiday cheese ball

Store in the fridge in an airtight container lined with parchment paper until ready to serve later. Make this cranberry walnut cheese ball up to one day in advance and take out 1/2 hour before serving.

More festive appetizers to make from the blog

Quick Whipped Ricotta Dip with Hot Honey Appetizer

Puff Pastry Baked Gruyere with Fig Jam & Rosemary

The Best Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip (holiday recipe!)