This festive cheese ball recipe made its television debut on CTV’s The Good Stuff with Mary Berg, and it’s been a hit ever since. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a New Year’s Eve bash, or just love a nostalgic appetizer with a modern twist, this Jalapeño-Cranberry Cheese Ball delivers big flavour with minimal fuss. Creamy, tangy, sweet, salty, and a little spicy, it hits every note.

The best part? You can make it ahead and pull it out when guests arrive. Just add crackers, crostini, or fresh-cut veggies and you’re party-ready.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Ball

• Perfect for entertaining during the holidays or any event
• Make-ahead friendly (up to 2 days in advance)
• Packed with sweet, salty, spicy flavour
• No baking required

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 250g cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapeños
• ½ cup fresh cranberries
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 ½ cups real bacon bits

How to Make It

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
2. Add the jalapeños and cranberries to a mini food processor. Pulse for about 10 seconds, until finely chopped.
3. Scrape the jalapeño-cranberry mixture into the bowl with the cheese. Add the onion powder and honey. Mix well until fully combined.
4. Shape the cheese mixture into a loose ball.
5. Scatter the bacon bits in a shallow dish or pie plate. Roll the cheese ball in the bacon bits, pressing gently to coat the exterior completely.
6. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 48 hours, before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with crostini, crackers, pretzel chips, or sliced cucumbers.
• Make it mini: Divide the mixture into smaller balls for individual servings or party platters.
• Add a sprig of rosemary or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a festive touch.

Make It Your Own

• Want more heat? Leave the jalapeño seeds in.
• Swap cheddar for gouda or pepper jack for a fun variation.
• No bacon? Crushed pecans or walnuts also make a great crust.

Jalapeño-Cranberry Cheese Ball with Bacon

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• Author: Andrea Buckett on The Good Stuff

Ingredients

Units USM

• 250g cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 2 jalapenos
• 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 1 1/2 cups real bacon bits

Instructions

1. Add the cream cheese and cheddar cheese to a mixing bowl.

2. Add the jalapenos and cranberries to a mini food processor. Blitz for about 10 seconds until both are finely chopped.

3. Add the jalapeno-cranberry mixture to the cream cheese bowl. Add the onion powder and honey. Mix together until everything is well combined. Shape the mixture into a loose ball.

4. Scatter the bacon bits in a pie plate. Transfer the cheese ball to the bacon bits. Press the bacon bits into the exterior of the cheese ball until it is fully covered.

5. Wrap the ball in plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour up to 48 hours before serving.