Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holidays and parties. Creamy cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar, fresh herbs, and aromatic spices is mixed with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, then shaped into a cheese ball. Chilling allows the flavors to meld while rolling the ball in cranberries and pecans gives it a beautiful, textured coating. Serve this crowd-pleasing, no-cook treat with crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables for an easy and impressive snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Coating
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped green onion, garlic powder, onion powder, chopped fresh parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and even.
- Mix in Fruit and Nuts: Stir in half of the chopped dried cranberries and half of the chopped pecans to the cheese mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using clean hands or plastic wrap, mold the mixture into a ball shape. You can place the mixture on plastic wrap and wrap it tightly to form a smooth ball for easier shaping.
- Chill: Refrigerate the shaped cheese ball for at least 1 hour. This chilling step helps the cheese ball firm up and allows the flavors to meld properly.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: After chilling, roll the cheese ball in the remaining cranberries and pecans, pressing gently so that the outside is evenly coated with the fruit and nuts.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry pecan cheese ball with your choice of crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables for a delicious and festive appetizer.
Notes
- This cheese ball can be prepared up to a day in advance and kept refrigerated until serving.
- For an added kick of flavor, try mixing in a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce to the cheese mixture before chilling.
- To keep it gluten-free, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetables.
