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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- Allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Combine cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, pecans, and green onions in a mixing bowl, blending thoroughly to create a consistent flavor profile.
- Mold the mixture into a compact, round shape using gentle pressure.
- Roll the cheese ball in reserved chopped pecans, ensuring complete and even coverage for a crunchy exterior.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter, surrounding it with an array of crisp crackers for dipping and spreading.
- 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