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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 81 reviews
  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: About 12 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightful and creamy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Combining tangy cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it offers a beautiful contrast of flavors and textures. Coated with fresh green onions, cranberries, and pecans, this cheese ball is both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, best served chilled alongside crackers and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 3/4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3/8 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 3/8 cup pecans, finely chopped

Coating

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions
  • 3/8 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 3/8 cup pecans, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cheese base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add shredded sharp cheddar cheese, half of the chopped green onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat everything together until well combined.
  2. Shape the cheese ball: Using a silicone spatula, scrape down the sides of the bowl and gather the mixture. Form the cheese mixture into a round ball shape. If it feels sticky, grease your hands lightly with butter or oil to make shaping easier.
  3. Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining chopped green onions, dried cranberries, and pecans. Spread this mixture out on a plate. Roll the shaped cheese ball in this coating mixture until it is fully covered on all sides.
  4. Chill & serve: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld and for firming. The cheese ball can be refrigerated for up to 5 days. Before serving, remove from fridge and allow to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften slightly. Serve on a platter surrounded by crackers, fresh vegetables, or your favorite dippers.

Notes

  • For easier shaping, chill the mixture briefly before coating if it feels too soft.
  • You can substitute pecans with walnuts if desired.
  • Make ahead and refrigerate up to 5 days to develop flavors.
  • Serve at room temperature for best texture and flavor.
  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and best taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: cranberry pecan cheese ball, cheese ball appetizer, holiday cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer, easy party appetizers, no cook appetizer

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Find it online: https://tastyadventureguide.com/cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball-recipe/