Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

Introduction

This cranberry pecan cheese ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings and holidays. Creamy and tangy with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans, it pairs beautifully with your favorite crackers. It’s easy to make ahead and sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

• 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup (130 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped, divided
• 1 cup (109 g) pecans, finely chopped, divided
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, divided
• Crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of chopped chives until well combined.
2. Step 2: Scrape the sides of the bowl to bring the mixture together into about 3 cups of cheese mixture.
3. Step 3: Lay out a 10×10-inch piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface.
4. Step 4: Using lightly greased hands, form the cheese mixture into a ball and place it in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap it tightly, sealing the edges, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour or until firm.
5. Step 5: On a plate, combine the remaining ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon chopped chives.
6. Step 6: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll it gently in the cranberry, pecan, and chive mixture, pressing lightly so the pieces stick to the surface.
7. Step 7: Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
8. Step 8: Serve the cheese ball with crackers and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nuttiness.
• Substitute fresh herbs like parsley or thyme if you prefer a different herbal note.
• Try using flavored cream cheese such as garlic and herb to add depth.
• The cheese ball can be shaped into a log or other shapes if desired for presentation.

Storage

Store the cheese ball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Re-chill before serving if it has softened. Allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheese ball ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours in advance. Just wrap it well and refrigerate until ready to serve. Roll it in the cranberry and pecan coating just before serving for the freshest texture.

What can I serve with the cranberry pecan cheese ball?

This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks like celery or bell pepper for dipping.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delicious and festive appetizer perfect for gatherings and holiday parties. Creamy cream cheese and sharp white cheddar are mixed with tart dried cranberries and crunchy pecans, then rolled into a flavorful ball coated with more cranberries, pecans, and fresh chives. Serve chilled or at room temperature with crackers for a delightful, crowd-pleasing snack.

• Author: Lila
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: About 3 cups, serves 8-10 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ball Mixture

• 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup (65 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (55 g) pecans, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Coating Mixture

• 1/2 cup (65 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup (54 g) pecans, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped

Serving

• Crackers, for serving

Instructions

1. Beat the cheese and mix-ins: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of finely chopped pecans, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives until well combined and smooth.
2. Gather the mixture: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to bring all the ingredients into the center, forming a cohesive mixture totaling about 3 cups.
3. Prepare plastic wrap: Lay out a 10×10-inch piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface to help shape the cheese ball.
4. Form the cheese ball: With greased hands, shape the cream cheese mixture into a firm ball and place it onto the center of the plastic wrap. Bring the edges of the plastic wrap together to seal the ball tightly.
5. Chill the ball: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 1 hour or until firm to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to set.
6. Prepare coating: On a plate, combine the remaining ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup pecans, and 1 tablespoon chopped chives, mixing evenly.
7. Coat the cheese ball: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap the plastic. Roll the cheese ball gently but firmly through the cranberry, pecan, and chive mixture so it is evenly coated on all sides.
8. Bring to room temperature: Let the coated cheese ball sit at room temperature for approximately 15 minutes before serving to enhance the creamy texture and flavor.
9. Serve: Arrange the cheese ball on a serving dish and provide crackers for guests to enjoy as an appetizer.

Notes

• Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Chopping cranberries and pecans roughly adds nice texture to the cheese ball; chop finer if a smoother texture is desired.
• This cheese ball can be made up to 1 day in advance and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.
• For extra flavor, toast the pecans lightly before chopping and mixing.
• If you want a milder onion flavor, substitute chives with finely chopped green onions or omit.
• Serve the cheese ball with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for added options.

Keywords: cranberry pecan cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese ball recipe, festive appetizer, cream cheese appetizer