Description
A creamy, tangy cheese ball with pops of tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of sweetness—perfect for holiday gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Finely chop the cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Shred the cheddar cheese if it’s not pre-shredded.
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, honey, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Fold in half of the chopped cranberries, pecans, and green onions into the cheese mixture.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap. Gather the edges of the wrap and shape the mixture into a ball. Twist the top of the plastic wrap to secure the ball and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Mix the remaining cranberries, pecans, and green onions in a shallow dish. Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Place the coated cheese ball on a serving plate surrounded by crackers, sliced veggies, or apple slices. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
[‘Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing and a smoother texture.’, ‘Chill the cheese ball thoroughly to help it hold its shape and make it easier to coat.’, ‘Toast the pecans lightly before chopping for added flavor.’, ‘Lightly oil your hands to prevent the cheese mixture from sticking while shaping the ball.’, ‘Prepare the cheese ball a day ahead to save time and allow the flavors to meld.’]
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the cheese ba
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 190
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 6
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 6
Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball, holiday appetizer, party food, festive recipe