Cozy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe for Holiday Gatherings

Crafting a delightful cranberry pecan cheese ball brings festive cheer to any gathering.

Cheese lovers appreciate the perfect blend of tangy and creamy textures.

Soft cream cheese serves as the luxurious base for this crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Bright red cranberries add a pop of color and seasonal excitement.

Chopped pecans provide a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire experience.

Simple ingredients come together to create a memorable starter that impresses everyone.

Storage Advice for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Refrigerate: Store the cheese ball in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with plastic wrap for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Freeze: Wrap the cheese ball securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before serving to soften and enhance flavors. Gently reshape if needed and roll in fresh pecans to restore the exterior texture.
• Serve Cold: For best results, enjoy the cheese ball straight from the refrigerator with crisp crackers or fresh vegetable sticks. The cold temperature helps maintain its shape and preserves the creamy texture.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients for this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball?

The key ingredients include cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions, creating a rich and flavorful appetizer.

• How do I ensure the cream cheese mixes well?

Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature before mixing, which helps create a smooth and easily blendable texture.

• Can I customize the nuts in this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds, but pecans provide the most traditional and complementary flavor profile.

• Is this cheese ball suitable for different dietary needs?

While delicious, this recipe contains dairy and nuts, so it may not be appropriate for those with specific allergies or dietary restrictions.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball – Festive and Flavor-Packed

• Craft Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: This cranberry pecan cheese ball delivers stunning flavor combinations that wow guests at any gathering, making it an instant conversation starter.
• Master Simple Culinary Skills: Perfect for home cooks wanting to elevate their entertaining game without requiring advanced professional cooking techniques, this recipe offers accessible gourmet results.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily adaptable recipe allows personal touches like swapping cheeses or adding herbs, giving home chefs flexibility to match their taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Prepare Ahead Party Hero: Make this cheese ball in advance, refrigerate, and bring to room temperature before serving, reducing last-minute stress during holiday or game day celebrations.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: A soft, creamy foundation that provides a smooth and rich texture for the cheese ball.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Adds a bold and tangy flavor to complement the cream cheese.

• Dried Cranberries, Green Onions: Bring a sweet-tart burst and fresh, sharp onion notes to enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Pecans: Contribute a nutty crunch and provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy cheese base.

• Pecans: Finely chopped to create a crunchy, elegant exterior that adds visual appeal and extra nutty flavor to the cheese ball.

How to Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Step 1: Soften the Cream Cheese

Allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature until it becomes soft and easily workable. This ensures smooth blending and easy mixing of ingredients.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients

• Cream cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Dried cranberries
• Chopped pecans
• Finely sliced green onions

Stir the ingredients thoroughly until they are evenly distributed and create a consistent mixture.

Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball

Use your hands to gently roll and shape the mixed ingredients into a compact, round sphere.

Press the ingredients together firmly to ensure the ball holds its shape.

Step 4: Create a Crunchy Pecan Coating

Spread additional finely chopped pecans on a clean surface.

Carefully roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to help the nuts adhere to the exterior and create a delightful crunchy coating.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the cheese ball for about 30 minutes to help it firm up.

Serve alongside an array of crackers, allowing guests to scoop and enjoy the flavorful spread.

Step 6: Storage Tips

If not serving immediately, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator.

Consume within 3-4 days for the best taste and texture.

Tips for a Perfect Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature for smooth, easy mixing that prevents lumpy texture.
• Chop pecans finely and evenly to create a consistent coating and prevent large, awkward chunks on the cheese ball's surface.
• Try different cheese varieties like gouda or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles while maintaining the recipe's core structure.
• Store cheese ball in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for maximum freshness and optimal taste experience.
• Allow cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance flavor and spreadability.

Variations to Try with Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Nutty Goat Cheese Variation: Replace cream cheese and cheddar with tangy goat cheese, swap pecans for toasted almonds, and use dried cherries instead of cranberries for a Mediterranean-inspired appetizer.
• Herb-Infused Wellness Ball: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or chives, use low-fat cream cheese for a healthier option, and roll in finely chopped fresh parsley for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy Southwest Rendition: Mix in diced jalapeños, substitute sharp cheddar with pepper jack cheese, replace pecans with roasted pumpkin seeds, and coat with a blend of smoked paprika and chili powder for a zesty kick.

Pairing Ideas for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Match this creamy cheese ball with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir, which complement the tangy cranberries and rich pecans perfectly.
• Select a malty amber ale or wheat beer that balances the cheese's sharpness and highlights the nutty pecan crunch.
• Choose multi-grain crackers or buttery water crackers that provide a neutral base to showcase the cheese ball's complex flavor profile.
• Serve alongside sweet fig jam or honey to create a delightful contrast with the savory cheese and tart cranberry elements.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Cranberry pecan cheese ball brings festive charm to holiday gatherings with classic cream cheese blend. Crunchy pecans and tart cranberries create irresistible appetizer you’ll love serving at parties.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese (softened)
• 1 1/2 cups (150 g) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/3 cup (40 g) pecans (finely chopped, with additional for exterior coating)
• 1/3 cup (40 g) dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup (50 g) green onions (sliced)
• Crackers (suitable amount for serving)

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Instructions

1. Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smooth mixing.
2. Combine cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, pecans, and green onions in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly to create a consistent flavor profile.
3. Mold the mixture into a compact, round shape using gentle pressure.
4. Roll the cheese ball in reserved chopped pecans, ensuring complete and even coverage for a crunchy exterior.
5. Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter, surrounding it with an array of crisp crackers for dipping and spreading.
6. For best quality, serve immediately at room temperature. If preparing in advance, refrigerate and remove 30 minutes before serving to restore optimal texture and taste.

Notes

• Softening cream cheese completely prevents lumpy texture and ensures smooth blending for perfect consistency.
• Chop dried cranberries and pecans finely to distribute flavors evenly and create balanced bites throughout the cheese ball.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper, richer undertones to the overall dish.
• Make this appetizer gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg