Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball – A Festive Holiday Delight!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Looking for the perfect appetizer to elevate your holiday gatherings? This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball combines rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans to create a delicious, eye-catching treat. It’s a fantastic make-ahead recipe that looks as festive as it tastes. Whether you’re hosting a Christmas party or cozying up with loved ones by the fire, this cheese ball is sure to impress.

Let’s dive into this irresistible holiday recipe that will bring smiles and flavor to your next gathering!

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: Fresh rosemary for garnish

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend the cheeses until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and continue mixing until all the ingredients are well combined. This step ensures the base of your cheese ball is flavorful and silky smooth.

Step 2: Add the Cranberries, Pecans, and Green Onions

Next, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Make sure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. The tartness of the cranberries, the crunch of the pecans, and the mild sharpness of the green onions create a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor, making every bite a festive delight.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball

Once the mixture is fully blended, it’s time to shape your cheese ball. Using your hands, gather the cheese mixture and form it into a ball. If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to shape, place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial for maintaining the cheese ball’s round shape, making it easier to handle and coat with pecans.

Step 4: Coat the Cheese Ball with Pecans

Spread the extra chopped pecans on a flat surface, such as a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they adhere evenly. The pecans add an extra layer of crunch and enhance the overall nutty flavor of the cheese ball. This outer coating also gives it a lovely, festive appearance perfect for holiday gatherings.

Step 5: Chill the Cheese Ball

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up further. This step is essential if you want your cheese ball to slice neatly and maintain its shape during serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, you can garnish the cheese ball with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted bread for dipping. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball will be the star of your appetizer spread!

Variation:

Want to add a twist to your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball? Here are some fun variations you can try:

  • Sweet and Spicy Kick: Add 1 tsp of finely diced jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a hint of heat that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
  • Herb-Infused: Mix in 1 tsp of fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the cheese blend for an added layer of fragrant herb flavor.
  • Bacon Lovers: Toss in 1/4 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory addition that pairs beautifully with the cheese and cranberries.

Cooking Note:

If you find that your cheese mixture is too soft to shape into a ball, don’t worry! Simply refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to mold. Additionally, you can make the cheese ball up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, saving you time during party prep.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball pairs perfectly with a variety of accompaniments. Here are a few ideas to make your holiday table shine:

  • Crackers: Offer a mix of water crackers, whole grain crackers, and buttery Ritz for different textures.
  • Fresh Veggies: Serve with crisp cucumber slices, baby carrots, and bell pepper strips for a lighter option.
  • Toasted Baguette: Thinly slice a baguette, toast it, and let your guests spread the cheese ball onto the crunchy bread.
  • Fruit: Fresh apple or pear slices make a great addition, complementing the cranberries and pecans with their natural sweetness.

Tips:

  • Make it Ahead: This cheese ball can be prepared up to two days in advance, giving you more time to focus on other holiday dishes.
  • Room Temperature: Before serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. This will make it easier to spread and enhance the flavor.
  • Double the Recipe: Expecting a larger crowd? Simply double the recipe to create two cheese balls, ensuring there’s enough for everyone.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cooking (Chill) Time:

1 hour

Total Time:

1 hour 10 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: 180
  • Protein: 5g
  • Sodium: 150mg

FAQs:

1. Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

2. How long can the cheese ball sit out at room temperature?

It’s best not to leave the cheese ball out for more than two hours. If it starts to soften too much, simply pop it back in the fridge to firm up.

3. Can I freeze the cheese ball?

While it’s possible to freeze a cheese ball, the texture may change upon thawing, becoming less creamy. If you do freeze it, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours before serving.

4. What are good substitutes for pecans?

If you prefer or need an alternative, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even crushed pretzels for a salty twist.

Conclusion:

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy textures, making it an ideal appetizer for holiday festivities. With minimal prep and the ability to make it ahead of time, it’s a stress-free dish that delivers maximum flavor. Whether you serve it at Christmas, Thanksgiving, or any special occasion, this cheese ball will become a holiday favorite among your guests. Make sure to try out the fun variations and serving suggestions to suit your crowd!

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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball – A Festive Holiday Delight!


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (plus extra for coating)
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Optional: Fresh rosemary for garnish

Instructions

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend the cheeses until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Add in the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and continue mixing until all the ingredients are well combined. This step ensures the base of your cheese ball is flavorful and silky smooth.

Step 2: Add the Cranberries, Pecans, and Green Onions

Next, gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Make sure these ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. The tartness of the cranberries, the crunch of the pecans, and the mild sharpness of the green onions create a wonderful contrast in texture and flavor, making every bite a festive delight.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball

Once the mixture is fully blended, it’s time to shape your cheese ball. Using your hands, gather the cheese mixture and form it into a ball. If the mixture feels too soft or sticky to shape, place it in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to firm up. This step is crucial for maintaining the cheese ball’s round shape, making it easier to handle and coat with pecans.

Step 4: Coat the Cheese Ball with Pecans

Spread the extra chopped pecans on a flat surface, such as a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, gently pressing them into the surface to ensure they adhere evenly. The pecans add an extra layer of crunch and enhance the overall nutty flavor of the cheese ball. This outer coating also gives it a lovely, festive appearance perfect for holiday gatherings.

Step 5: Chill the Cheese Ball

For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour before serving. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up further. This step is essential if you want your cheese ball to slice neatly and maintain its shape during serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, you can garnish the cheese ball with a few sprigs of fresh rosemary for a festive touch. Serve with a variety of crackers, sliced vegetables, or toasted bread for dipping. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball will be the star of your appetizer spread!

Notes

Cooking Note:

If you find that your cheese mixture is too soft to shape into a ball, don’t worry! Simply refrigerate the mixture for 15-20 minutes to firm it up, making it easier to mold. Additionally, you can make the cheese ball up to two days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge, saving you time during party prep.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour

Nutrition

  • Calories: 180
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Protein: 5g

 

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