Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and sweet dried cranberries with crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, it's easy to prepare and pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
- 1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes until aromatic. Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Mix Cheese Ball Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, half of the toasted pecans, half of the chopped dried cranberries, chopped chives or green onions, and garlic powder. Beat together until well blended.
- Shape Cheese Ball: Place the cheese mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Wrap tightly and shape the mixture into a smooth ball. Refrigerate until firm and ready to serve.
- Prepare Coating: Just before serving, mix the remaining toasted pecans, remaining dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of chopped chives on a flat surface or cutting board.
- Coat Cheese Ball: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the cranberry-pecan-chive mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve: Present the finished cheese ball with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables like carrots and celery for dipping.
Notes
- To toast pecans without an oven, you can use a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until fragrant.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, consider adding a pinch of garlic salt instead of garlic powder, but adjust salt accordingly.
- If you prefer, substitute green onions for the chives or use a mix for added flavor complexity.
- The cheese ball can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld better.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and cheddar for a lighter version, but texture may vary slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 cheese ball
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
