What ingredients do I need to make a cranberry pecan cheese ball?

To make a cranberry pecan cheese ball, you’ll need full-fat brick-style cream cheese, sharp white cheddar cheese, fresh chives and parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, dried chopped cranberries, and chopped pecans. These ingredients combine to create a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet appetizer with a crunchy nut coating.

How do I prepare and shape a cranberry pecan cheese ball?

Start by beating softened cream cheese until smooth. Mix in shredded cheddar, herbs, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in half the dried cranberries and pecans. Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a bowl. Roll the ball in the remaining cranberries and pecans to coat. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.

How long can I store a cranberry pecan cheese ball in the refrigerator?

A cranberry pecan cheese ball will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 10 days if wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or placed in an airtight container. For the best taste and texture, consume it within 5 days. Make sure to chill it sufficiently before serving.

Can I make a cranberry pecan cheese ball without nuts?

Yes, you can make it without nuts by substituting chopped pretzels or crushed crackers for the pecans. Coat the cheese ball just before serving to keep the coating crisp and prevent sogginess. This alternative maintains a crunchy texture while accommodating nut allergies or preferences.

What are the best dippers to serve with a cranberry pecan cheese ball?

Cranberry pecan cheese balls pair well with a variety of dippers such as assorted crackers, fresh vegetable crudités, pita chips, crostini, pretzel rods, and toasted bread slices. Choose sturdy options to hold the cheese ball’s creamy texture without breaking, making it easy for guests to enjoy.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe For Festive Occasions

Name: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Prep time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 16 ounces full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature; – 1 and 3/4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese; – 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided; – 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley; – 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar; – 1 teaspoon garlic powder; – 1/4 teaspoon salt; – 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; – 3/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries, divided; – 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, divided

Description

🧀 This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a perfect appetizer that combines creamy cheese with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans for a festive treat.
🎉 Ideal for holiday gatherings, it’s easy to prepare ahead and adds a colorful, flavorful touch to any party spread.

Ingredients

– 16 ounces full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature

– 1 and 3/4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese

– 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided

– 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley

– 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 3/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries, divided

– 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, divided

Instructions

1- Beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until it’s smooth and creamy, which takes about 2 minutes, using a mixer or just by hand if that’s what you have.

2- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped chives, chopped parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans; mix everything until it’s well combined, then shape it into a ball if needed.

3- In a small bowl, mix the remaining chives, dried cranberries, and pecans for the coating, then roll your cheese ball in this mixture to cover it evenly.

4- Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 5 days, to let the flavors meld.

5- Before you serve, let it sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to soften a bit, then pair it with crackers and a spreading knife for the best experience.

6- For leftovers, keep it wrapped tightly in the fridge for up to 10 days to maintain that fresh taste.

Notes

🧀 Use full-fat cream cheese and block sharp white cheddar for optimal flavor and texture.
🍬 Brown sugar adds a subtle sweetness to balance savory flavors.
🥜 For nut allergies, substitute pecans with chopped pretzels for the coating, adding them just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Mixing, Refrigeration
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 2 tablespoons
Calories: 190 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 210 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg

Keywords: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, Festive Appetizers, Holiday Cheese Ball, Cranberry Cheese Ball