Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is a delightful holiday appetizer perfect for festive gatherings. Creamy, tangy, and packed with sweet and savory flavors, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese (softened)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted)
- 1/4 cup green onions (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Coating:
- 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Ball Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Form the mixture into a ball using clean hands or a spatula.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the additional cranberries, pecans, and parsley.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the cheese ball in the coating mixture until fully covered.
- Chill and Serve: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up. Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, or sliced vegetables.
Notes
- You can make this cheese ball up to 2 days in advance.
- For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
