Festive fall appetizer in 15 minutes prep
Creamy cheddar and cranberries shaped like a rustic acorn, finished with a crunchy pecan “cap” and a pretzel stem for a showy Thanksgiving or holiday board.
Why you’ll love it
- Built for holiday cheese balls and fall cheese ball recipes
- Easy, affordable, and make ahead friendly for stress free hosting
- Sweet tart cranberries with sharp cheddar and toasted pecans
- Cute acorn shape that kids and guests love
- Simple swaps to turn it into pumpkin shaped cheese ball, turkey shaped cheese ball, or hedgehog cheeseball
Ingredients (notes only)
Base mix
- Cream cheese: full fat for best structure
- Sharp cheddar: fresh grated for bold flavor
- Dried cranberries: finely chopped so every slice pops
- Dijon and Worcestershire: savory balance
- Garlic powder, black pepper, pinch of salt
Coating and shape
- Pecans: toasted, finely chopped for the acorn “cap”
- Golden crackers or blanched almonds: crushed for the lighter “nut” body
- Pretzel stick: for the stem
- Optional finish: drizzle of honey or a pinch of minced rosemary
Full measurements in the recipe card.
Step by step
- Toast and cool
Toast pecans in a dry skillet 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant. Cool fully. - Mix
Beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Fold in cheddar, cranberries, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, pepper, and a small pinch of salt. - Shape the acorn
Pile the mixture on plastic wrap. Form an oval with a slightly pointed end. Chill 15 minutes to firm. - Coat
Roll the top third in chopped pecans for the “cap.” Roll the bottom two thirds in crushed crackers or almonds for contrast. - Finish
Press a pretzel stick into the top as a stem. Chill 30 to 120 minutes to set. - Serve
Transfer to a board. Add crackers, apple slices, and celery sticks.
Pro tips
- Finely chop cranberries and nuts for clean slices and an even coat.
- Chill before coating to prevent smearing.
- Keep the acorn proportion by making the “cap” one third of the height.
- For sharper slices, refrigerate overnight and cut with a warm knife.
- Make two smaller acorns for faster chilling and easy portioning.
Variations
- Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball: Coat all over with crushed cheddar crackers and press shallow ridges with a butter knife. Add a pretzel stem.
- Turkey Shaped Cheese Ball: Use crackers or pretzel rods as tail “feathers.”
- Hedgehog Cheeseball: Coat with sliced almonds angled like quills and use cranberry bits for eyes and nose.
- Pomegranate Cheese Ball: Swap cranberries for pomegranate arils folded in just before shaping.
How to serve
Arrange with buttery crackers, seeded crisps, celery sticks, endive leaves, and thin apple or pear slices. A light honey drizzle is great for salty sweet balance.
Make ahead and storage
- Make ahead up to 2 days. Keep wrapped. Coat just before serving for max crunch.
- Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days, tightly wrapped.
- Freeze uncoated up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then coat.
- Keep under 40°F until serving. Limit counter time to 2 hours.
FAQs
Can I use low fat cream cheese?
Yes, but it will be softer. Chill longer and add 2 tablespoons finely crushed crackers to help set.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Pat the surface dry, press the coating firmly, then chill 10 minutes and re roll.
What if I do not eat nuts?
Use crushed pretzels or seeds for the cap and body.
How big should I make it?
Aim for about 5 to 6 inches long which serves 10 to 12 as an appetizer.
Simple Nutrition estimate per 1 of 12 servings
Calories 230 | Protein 7 g | Carbs 7 g | Sugar 5 g | Fat 20 g | Saturated Fat 9 g | Fiber 1 g | Sodium 240 mg
Acorn Cheeseball
This festive acorn-shaped cheese ball combines creamy cheddar, sweet cranberries, and savory spices, finished with a crunchy pecan cap and pretzel stem. Perfect for Thanksgiving boards or fall parties!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes. Cool.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in cheddar, cranberries, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Transfer to plastic wrap. Shape into an oval with a pointed end to resemble an acorn. Chill 15 minutes to firm.
- Roll the top third in chopped pecans for the cap. Roll the lower two thirds in crushed crackers or almonds.
- Insert a pretzel stick for the stem. Chill 30 to 120 minutes until set. Serve with crackers, celery, and apple slices.
Nutrition
Notes
Subs: Pecans can be swapped for walnuts, almonds, or crushed pretzels. Use tamari instead of Worcestershire.
Nut-free: Use crushed pretzels or seeds instead of nuts for coating.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, skillet for toasting nuts.
Alternate Shapes: Try shaping into a pumpkin, turkey, or hedgehog for different presentations.
Safety Tip: Keep chilled and do not leave out for more than 2 hours.
Nut-free: Use crushed pretzels or seeds instead of nuts for coating.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, skillet for toasting nuts.
Alternate Shapes: Try shaping into a pumpkin, turkey, or hedgehog for different presentations.
Safety Tip: Keep chilled and do not leave out for more than 2 hours.