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    Home » Meals » Appetizers

    Vegan Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

    Published Dec 6, 2022 · Updated Dec 6, 2022 · 4 Comments

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    This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission. See my disclosure policy.

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    This festive Cranberry Pistachio Vegan Cheese Ball is the perfect no-bake holiday appetizer to share with family and friends.

    Vegan cranberry cheese ball with pistachios on a plate.
    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • How to Serve
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    This delicious cranberry pistachio vegan cheese ball is guaranteed to be the star of the show at any holiday gathering! Vegan cream cheese makes a soft savory cheese ball perfect for spreading on crackers or apple slices. Or my personal favorite, toasted baguette slices. Mmmm.

    To elevate this dairy-free cheeseball, add a coating of dried cranberries and pistachios. The flavors go so well together, and it's absolutely beautiful! The colors, red and green, make it great for a Christmas appetizer.

    Ingredients

    The ingredients for this cheese ball are simple and you may already have them at home.

    Cheese ball ingredients in bowls on a table.

    Here's what you need:

    • Vegan cream cheese: I like GoVeggie, Trader Joe's Brand, or Kite Hill.
    • Dried cranberries: These add tart-sweet flavor and some texture.
    • Vegan cheese: Choose your favorite dairy-free shredded cheddar.
    • Lemon juice: For some added acidity and brightness.
    • Onion powder
    • Dried thyme or rosemary

    Instructions

    This vegan cheese ball is simple to make. Just make sure to whip it up ahead of time, as it needs to sit in the fridge for at least 6 hours before coating with the cranberries and pistachios.

    Cheese ball ingredients mixed together in a bowl.
    Mix together all of the cheese ball ingredients.
    Cheese ball wrapped in plastic wrap.
    Form into a ball using plastic wrap. Refrigerate.
    Coating ingredients chopped up onto a plate.
    Toss together chopped cranberries, pistachios, and parsley.
    Cheese ball coated in chopped cranberries and pistachios.
    Coat the cheese ball.

    How to Serve

    Serve this cheese ball on a large plate or cheese board, surrounded by your dippers of choice. Here are some ideas:

    • Toasted bread
    • Herb crackers (I love rosemary crackers with this cheese ball!)
    • Apple slices (toss them with lemon water to prevent browning)
    • Graham crackers
    • Pretzels
    • 4-Ingredient No-Yeast Bread
    A cracker with cheese ball smeared onto it.

    Variations and Substitutions

    This cheese ball recipe is very forgiving and you can easily make it your own!

    • If you don't have plastic wrap, scoop the cheeseball mixture into a bowl and chill as directed. Top with the coating mixture and enjoy it right out of the bowl.
    • Swap dried cranberries for raisins, chopped dates, or dried cherries.
    • Use pecans or walnuts instead of pistachios.
    • Use homemade cream cheese using cashews instead of storebought.

    Trying to go vegan? Sign up for our (FREE) Vegan Beginner's Guide!

    Vegan cranberry cheese ball with pistachios on a plate.

    Did you enjoy this recipe? Please leave a comment and a ⭐ star review below!

    Recipe

    Vegan Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball

    Karissa Besaw
    Impress your guests with this flavorful vegan cranberry cheese ball with pistachios. Perfect as a holiday party or game day appetizer!
    4.80 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Chill time 6 hrs
    Course Appetizer, Snack
    Cuisine Vegan
    Servings 24
    Calories 95 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    Cheese Ball

    • 16 ounces vegan cream cheese
    • ½ cup dried cranberries
    • 1 cup vegan cheddar
    • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon thyme or rosemary

    Coating

    • ⅓ cup pistachios shelled
    • ½ cup dried cranberries
    • 1 tablespoon dried parsley

    Instructions
     

    • Mix together the cream cheese, dried cranberries, vegan cheddar, lemon juice, onion powder and thyme or rosemary.
    • Scoop the mixture in the center of a large piece of plastic wrap.
    • Wrap up into a ball, set into a bowl to help keep the spherical shape, and place in the fridge for at least 6 hours. 12+ hours is best, and it can stay in the fridge for up to 2 days.
    • Unwrap the cheese ball, place on a plate, and mold it into a more uniform sphere if necessary.
    • Toss together the chopped pistachios, cranberries, and parsley.
    • Press the coating into the cheese ball.
    • Serve with crackers, toasted bread, apple slices, or whatever your heart desires!

    Nutrition

    Calories: 95kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 120mgPotassium: 23mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 9IUVitamin C: 0.5mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 0.4mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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    Hey! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen. Read more...

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    hey there!

    Welcome to Karissa's Vegan Kitchen! I’m happy you’re here! My name is Karissa and I’ve been cooking up delicious vegan food since going vegan in 2016. Not vegan and just want to eat more plants? We don't judge - everyone is welcome in our kitchen.

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