The holidays are here… and with them come the usual carb-laden temptations. But who says you can’t indulge and stick to your keto goals? Enter the Keto Cheese Ball… a creamy, crunchy, festive appetizer that’s as delicious as it is low-carb.
This recipe is a lifesaver for busy hosts… quick to make, absolutely stunning on the table, and guaranteed to win over keto and non-keto guests alike. Imagine a savory cheese ball rolled in toasted pecans, tangy cranberries, and fresh chives… Doesn’t that sound perfect?
Did You Know? Studies show that staying on track with a low-carb diet during the holidays can help you avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain without sacrificing flavor. With recipes like this, you can indulge and stay guilt-free.
So, whether you’re prepping for a keto Christmas feast or brainstorming keto-friendly appetizers, this cheese ball is here to save the day. Trust me, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to year after year.
Let’s make it happen…
Table of Contents
Look at the Recipe (Key Highlights)
- Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb: Perfect for sticking to your diet during holiday feasts without missing out on the fun.
- Festive Appearance: Coated with toasted pecans, cranberries, and chives, it looks as good as it tastes—ideal for Christmas tables.
- Creamy and Savory Flavor: A rich blend of cream cheese and shredded cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth base.
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time and minimal ingredients, it’s a breeze to whip up!
- Customizable: Swap cranberries for sun-dried tomatoes or add herbs like parsley for a personalized twist.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by keto and non-keto guests alike—expect it to disappear fast!
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it up to two days in advance for a stress-free holiday appetizer.
This cheese ball isn’t just a dish… it’s your holiday MVP!
Ingredients Needed
- Chopped pecans
- Low-carb dried cranberries
- Fresh chives
- Cream cheese
- Shredded cheese (Italian blend or cheddar)
How to Make Keto Cheese Ball
Toast the Pecans – Toast chopped pecans in a skillet until aromatic.
Prepare the Coating – Mix pecans, cranberries, and chives for the cheese ball’s outer coating.
Make the Cheese Base – Beat cream cheese and shredded cheese together until smooth.
Incorporate the Mix-ins – Add half of the coating mixture into the cheese base.
Shape and Chill – Form into a ball, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate.
Coat and Serve – Roll the cheese ball in the remaining pecan-cranberry coating before serving.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Storage Tips
- Wrap it Up:
After making the cheese ball, tightly wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh and prevent it from drying out. - Fridge is Your Friend:
Store the cheese ball in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped well to avoid any fridge odors sneaking in. - Freeze for Later:
Want to make it ahead? Freeze the cheese ball (without the coating) for up to 2 months. Wrap it in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil for extra protection. Thaw in the fridge overnight before adding the coating.
Serving Tips
- Perfect Pairings:
Serve this festive cheese ball with keto-friendly dippers like celery sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or low-carb crackers. It also pairs well with pork rinds for a crunchy treat. - Room Temperature is Key:
Take the cheese ball out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before serving. Letting it soften slightly makes it easier to spread or scoop. - Festive Presentation:
Place the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by your dippers for a centerpiece-worthy display. Sprinkle a few extra chopped cranberries or pecans around for added flair. - Pro Tip for Parties:
If serving at a large gathering, consider making two smaller cheese balls. This keeps one fresh in the fridge while the other is being enjoyed! - Leftover Love:
Got leftovers? Spread a little on a slice of low-carb bread or melt it over roasted veggies for a quick, flavorful snack.
Enjoy every creamy, nutty, and festive bite! 🧀✨
Tips & FAQs
Is Cheese ok during keto?
Absolutely! Cheese is a staple in the keto diet due to its high fat and low carb content. It’s a delicious and versatile ingredient that adds creaminess and flavor to meals while helping you hit your daily fat intake goals. Popular keto-friendly cheeses include cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and gouda. Just watch out for processed cheeses with added fillers that can sneak in unnecessary carbs.
Which Cheese has no carbs?
Most hard cheeses are naturally carb-free or have negligible carbs, making them perfect for keto. Varieties like Parmesan, Gouda, Swiss, and cheddar are excellent choices. Look for full-fat, aged options as these typically have the lowest carbohydrate content and the richest flavor.
What cheese slices are keto?
For convenient keto snacks, opt for cheese slices like Swiss, cheddar, or provolone. Brands like Tillamook and Sargento often offer full-fat, low-carb options that are keto-friendly. Skip the pre-sliced processed varieties like American cheese, which often contain added starches or fillers that can increase carb counts.
Is peanut butter keto?
Peanut butter can be keto-friendly, but you’ll need to choose wisely. Look for natural peanut butter with no added sugar or hydrogenated oils. These typically have around 2-4g net carbs per serving. Stick to moderation—1-2 tablespoons—because the carbs can add up quickly.
How many carbs are in a cheese ball?
The carb count in a cheese ball depends on its ingredients. A keto cheese ball, like our Keto Cheese Ball, usually has around 4-5g net carbs per serving, thanks to low-carb ingredients like cream cheese, shredded cheese, and keto-friendly mix-ins. If you’re buying a store-bought version, be cautious of added sugars or high-carb coatings like breadcrumbs.
Why This Cheese Ball Works for Keto & Beyond
This Keto Cheese Ball ticks all the right boxes for those on a keto diet.
- Low-Carb: The star of the show, cream cheese, is keto-friendly, while the cranberries and pecans add just a touch of natural sweetness without overloading on carbs.
- Nutrient-Dense: Pecans are a great source of healthy fats, while the cheese offers protein to keep you satisfied.
- Customizable: Swap out cranberries for chopped sun-dried tomatoes or even diced jalapeños for a savory spin.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out, or share a photo of your dish on social media and tag me.
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for the Keto Cheese Ball—they’ll thank you for it! 🥚✨
Festive Keto Cheese Ball: Low-Carb Christmas Appetizer
Description
This Keto Cheese Ball is a festive low-carb appetizer loaded with pecans, cranberries, and creamy cheese. Perfect for keto-friendly holiday feasts!
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Toast the Pecans
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Start by toasting the chopped pecans in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Stir frequently for about 5 minutes, until fragrant and slightly golden. Remove them from the heat and let them cool. This step brings out a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
2. Mix the Coating
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Combine the cooled pecans, dried cranberries, and chopped chives in a small bowl. This will be the festive, flavorful outer layer of your cheese ball.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
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In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheese until smooth and fluffy. A hand mixer works best for this step, but you can also use a sturdy spoon and some elbow grease!
4. Incorporate the Flavor
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Stir HALF of the pecan-cranberry mixture into the cheese base. This adds texture and flavor throughout the cheese ball.
5. Shape and Chill
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Use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until firm.
6. Coat and Serve
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Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in the remaining pecan-cranberry mixture until evenly coated. Serve with keto-friendly dippers like celery sticks, cucumber slices, or low-carb crackers.
Servings 8
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 230kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Total Carbohydrate 5g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Protein 6g12%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
When I first made this Keto Thanksgiving Cheese Ball, I wasn’t sure how it would go over with my family. My husband, a cheese fanatic, couldn’t stop raving about how perfectly the cranberries balanced the savory creaminess. The kids? Let’s just say they were initially skeptical (it’s green from the chives, after all), but once they took a bite, they polished off half the ball before dinner even started. Seeing their smiles and hearing “Mom, this is SO good!” made all the effort worthwhile. This recipe has officially become a holiday tradition in our house—maybe it will in yours too!
