Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightfully simple appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Creamy, sweet, and savory, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- medium bowl
- plastic wrap
- shallow plate
Ingredients
Cheese Ball
- 2 packages cream cheese, softened (8 ounces each)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Coating
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, 1/2 cup chopped dried cranberries, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into a ball. Cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
Coating and Serving
- On a shallow plate, mix the finely chopped pecans and finely chopped dried cranberries for the coating.
- Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and roll it in the pecan-cranberry mixture until fully coated.
- Serve immediately with crackers, pretzels, or sliced apples.
Notes
For best results, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance; just store it in the refrigerator and coat it just before serving.