The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the perfect appetizer to bring a little flair to your holiday gatherings, making it an instant favorite among guests. With a combination of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans, this cheese ball offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Whether you’re hosting a festive party or simply looking for an easy yet impressive appetizer, this dish is sure to become a regular on your menu. Let’s dive into why this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a must-try recipe for your next gathering!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this cheese ball comes together quickly and can be made ahead of time, making it the perfect stress-free appetizer.
- Perfect for Parties: Its festive red cranberries and crunchy pecans make it an eye-catching dish that will wow your guests. It’s a great conversation starter and a perfect addition to any holiday spread.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to swap out the cranberries or pecans for your favorite dried fruits or nuts. You can even adjust the cheese base to suit your preferences.
- Balance of Sweet and Savory: The sweetness from the cranberries and the savory cream cheese filling provide a delightful contrast, making every bite a memorable one.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and coat it in the pecans and cranberries right before serving.
Q: Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
A: Yes! You can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or cashews depending on your preference. However, pecans do provide a unique sweetness that pairs perfectly with cranberries.
Q: How do I serve a cheese ball?
A: You can serve the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball with crackers, sliced baguette, fresh vegetables like carrots and celery, or even pretzels for a fun and festive presentation.
Q: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?
A: Dried cranberries work wonderfully for this recipe and are actually the preferred option because they hold up well when mixed into the cheese ball and add a chewy texture.
Ingredients Needed
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For rolling:
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend until smooth and creamy. You want the texture to be completely blended together for a seamless consistency.
Step 2: Add the Flavorings
Next, add the chopped cranberries, finely chopped green onions, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. At this stage, you can taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
Step 3: Shape the Cheese Ball
Once all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, take the mixture and use your hands to form it into a ball. You may need to wet your hands slightly to avoid sticking. Carefully place the formed cheese ball on a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap.
Step 4: Roll in Nuts and Cranberries
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Gently roll the cheese ball in the nut and cranberry mixture, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides. Press gently to make sure everything sticks well.
Step 5: Refrigerate
Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and place it on a serving platter. Pair it with your favorite crackers, fresh veggies, or even sliced bread. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball will be a hit at your next gathering!
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Make-Ahead: This cheese ball can be made 24 hours ahead. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Flavor Variations: For a tangier cheese ball, add a bit of cream cheese mixed with blue cheese for an extra kick!
- Serving Suggestions: If you’re feeling extra festive, add a sprig of rosemary on top as a garnish. It’ll make the cheese ball look even more inviting and smell wonderful.
- Storage: Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you’re looking for more holiday appetizers, try our delicious Earl Grey Cookies: A Unique Twist on Your Favorite Treat, a savory treats with a smoky twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball pairs wonderfully with a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, wheat crackers, or even baguette slices. You could also serve it alongside fresh fruit, like grapes or apple slices, to balance out the savory flavors. For a fun twist, try pairing it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling cider.
For more cheese ball variations and tips, check out this recipe from AllRecipes for even more inspiration. You can also find fantastic appetizer ideas on Food Network’s collection of cheese balls.
Storage
This cheese ball can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you have leftovers, simply wrap it back up tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. For best results, allow it to come to room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving again.
Conclusion
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or looking to impress your guests at a casual dinner, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball will certainly make a statement. It’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and will add a festive flair to any table. Don’t forget to give it a try and share your experience in the comments below!
Looking for more fun and easy recipes? Check out Charmed Recipes and get inspired for your next celebration!
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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: A Delicious and Festive Holiday Treat
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, tangy cheese ball with cranberries and pecans, perfect for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For rolling:
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, blend until smooth and creamy. You want the texture to be completely blended together for a seamless consistency.
Next, add the chopped cranberries, finely chopped green onions, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well incorporated. At this stage, you can taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, adding more salt, pepper, or honey as needed.
Once all ingredients are thoroughly mixed, take the mixture and use your hands to form it into a ball. You may need to wet your hands slightly to avoid sticking. Carefully place the formed cheese ball on a piece of wax paper or plastic wrap.
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining chopped pecans and dried cranberries. Gently roll the cheese ball in the nut and cranberry mixture, making sure it is evenly coated on all sides. Press gently to make sure everything sticks well.
Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the cheese ball to firm up.
After chilling, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and place it on a serving platter. Pair it with your favorite crackers, fresh veggies, or even sliced bread. This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball will be a hit at your next gathering!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, festive cheese ball, holiday appetizer