Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
A delightful and easy appetizer made with creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 250kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra pecans for rolling
Instructions
Preparation
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, finely chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Using a hand mixer or a spatula, mix until all ingredients are well combined and smooth.
- Gather the mixture with your hands and form it into a ball shape.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and roll it in extra chopped pecans to coat the outside evenly.
- Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs or additional cranberries.
Serving
- Serve with an assortment of dippers like crackers, pretzels, and vegetable sticks or alongside sliced baguette.
Notes
For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños. Experiment with different cheeses like smoked gouda or pepper jack for unique flavors. Leftover cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.