Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer combining creamy cheeses, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties or casual gatherings, it's easy to prepare ahead and pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans, chopped and toasted
- 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Coating
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
- 2 tablespoons chives, chopped
Instructions
- Toast Pecans: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes or until they are aromatic. Remove from the oven and let them cool.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, half of the toasted pecans, half of the chopped dried cranberries, chopped chives or green onions, and garlic powder. Beat until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Place the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Wrap it completely and mold it into a ball shape. Refrigerate until firm and ready to serve.
- Prepare Coating: On a flat surface or cutting board, mix the remaining dried cranberries, toasted pecans, and chopped chives. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in this cranberry-pecan-chive mixture to coat evenly.
- Serve: Present the cheese ball with your choice of crackers, pita chips, pretzels, carrots, or celery for a delicious appetizer.
Notes
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- For a milder onion flavor, use chives instead of green onions.
- The cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Use plastic wrap tightly to help shape the cheese ball firmly.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 cheese ball
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
