Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Creamy cream cheese is blended with sharp cheddar, dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and aromatic spices, then shaped into a ball and coated with extra cranberries and pecans for added texture and tartness. Chill time allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up, making it easy to slice and serve with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, sliced green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully blended and the mixture is smooth.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Use a spatula or your hands to shape the cheese mixture into a compact ball. Make sure it is evenly formed to hold together well.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap the formed cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up the texture and allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the remaining chopped dried cranberries and chopped pecans for the outer coating of the cheese ball.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the cranberry and pecan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating all around.
- Serve: Serve the cranberry pecan cheese ball with crackers, pretzels, or sliced fresh vegetables as an appetizer or party snack.
Notes
- This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance for convenience and improved flavor melding.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before shaping.
