Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings and parties. Cream cheese and white cheddar blend smoothly with dried cranberries, pecans, and fresh chives, then chilled and rolled in a crunchy cranberry-pecan coating for a delightful blend of creamy, sweet, and nutty textures. Serve with crackers for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup (113 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup (65 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (54 g) pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
Coating
- ½ cup (65 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- ½ cup (54 g) pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
To Serve
- Crackers
Instructions
- Mix the cheeses and aromatics: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat together the cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup pecans, and 1 tablespoon chopped chives until well combined and smooth.
- Form the cheese ball: Scrape down the sides of the bowl to gather the mixture. Prepare a 10×10-inch piece of plastic wrap. Grease your hands lightly to prevent sticking, then shape the cheese mixture into a round ball and place it in the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap the edges tightly to seal the ball.
- Chill the cheese ball: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld fully.
- Prepare the coating: On a plate, combine the remaining ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup pecans, and 1 tablespoon chopped chives, mixing them well for the coating.
- Coat the cheese ball: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball gently but firmly in the cranberry, pecan, and chive mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating evenly.
- Bring to room temperature: Let the coated cheese ball sit out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This softens the cheese, making it easier to spread.
- Serve: Present the cheese ball with your choice of crackers for a delicious and elegant appetizer.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 16 servings, suitable for about 8 adults.
- You can halve the ingredients if you want to make a smaller quantity.
- Using room temperature cream cheese ensures a smooth and creamy cheese ball.
- Fresh chives can be substituted with green onions if unavailable.
- Variations can include adding spices like a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture for a festive twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
