This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.
Tasty party appetizer idea coming right up! This Cranberry Pistachio Vegan Cheese Ball is sure to be a hit.
Cranberry Pistachio Vegan Cheese Ball
I’m about to blow. your. mind.
Meet the new star of the party – this delicious cranberry pistachio cheese ball! Cashews and vegan cream cheese come together to create a creamy cheese ball you can spread on crackers or apple slices. Or my personal favorite, toasted baguette slices. Mmmm.
Let it be known that this isn’t just your basic cheese ball. We are stepping it up with dried cranberries and thyme, then coating it in more cranberries as well as pistachios. The flavors go SO well together, and it’s absolutely beautiful! The colors, red and green, make it great for a Christmas appetizer, but I’ll be making this allllll year long.
How to Make a Vegan Cheese Ball
The method for a vegan cheese ball is super simple, like any cheese ball should be. After soaking the cashews to soften them up, just throw all of the ingredients in a food processor, form into a ball (I use plastic wrap), and let it sit in the fridge for a bit.
Are you looking for recommendations on which vegan cream cheese brand is the best? Personally, I like the GoVeggie, Trader Joe’s, and Kite Hill cream cheeses.
The cheese ball will be ready to go after chilling for about 6 hours, but I personally like to let it sit in there for at least 12 hours. It just tastes better after all of the flavors marry together. Either way, it’s yummy.
If you do not want to use plastic wrap, you can just scoop the mixture into a bowl. After it chills in the fridge, top it with the cranberries and pistachios and serve it like that. It won’t be a cheese “ball” but it will still be a tasty creamy dip.
What to Serve with a Cheese Ball
Because this cheeseball has a unique, sweet flavor you might be wondering, “What do I serve with this?!” I have some ideas!
- Toasted bread
- Herb crackers (love rosemary crackers with this cheese ball!)
- Apple slices (toss them with lemon water to prevent oxidation)
- Graham crackers
- Pretzels
Did you make this? Let me know your thoughts! Leave a rating and a comment.
Cranberry Pistachio Vegan Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 8oz container of vegan cream cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme leaves
For the coating
- 1/3 cup pistachios shelled
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
Instructions
- Soak the cashews in hot water for 30 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- Put the cashews, cream cheese, dried cranberries, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, onion powder, and thyme in a food processor and process until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a blender but you'll probably have to scrape down the sides a few times while blending.
- Scoop the mixture in the center of a large piece of plastic wrap.
- Wrap up into a ball 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.
- To coat, simply press in the pistachios and cranberries.
- Serve with crackers, toasted bread, apple slices, or whatever your heart desires!
Megan M Blake
I made this for my brother and sister-in-law for Christmas and we couldn’t get enough of it. It was so good! Thank you for this recipe!
Wendy
Do you use salted or unsalted cashews?
Karissa
Unsalted, raw
Helen Collins
absolutely fabulous