Description
Creamy cheese meets festive flair in this irresistible Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball that brings holiday cheer to any gathering. Guests will savor each tangy, nutty bite, making this appetizer a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheese Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (113 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Fruit and Nut Components:
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup (60 grams) pecans, chopped (plus extra for rolling)
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth using a hand mixer or spatula.
- Gently incorporate chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and parsley into the cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a compact, uniform ball by gathering and rolling the wrap.
- Completely encase the cheese ball’s exterior with finely chopped pecans, creating a crunchy coating.
- Optional: Drizzle a light layer of honey over the pecan-covered surface for enhanced sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Tightly wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and texture to solidify.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to soften slightly.
- Present alongside crisp crackers, thinly sliced baguette, or a variety of fresh vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for smooth, lump-free mixing, ensuring easier blending and better texture.
- Chop pecans and cranberries finely to distribute evenly throughout the cheese mixture, creating balanced flavor in every bite.
- Consider toasting pecans briefly before coating to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cheese ball’s overall taste profile.
- Swap ingredients for dietary needs: use low-fat cream cheese for lighter version, dairy-free cheese alternatives for vegan option, or replace pecans with sunflower seeds for nut-free adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg