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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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3.9 from 4 reviews

A festive and creamy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball that combines sharp white cheddar, smooth cream cheese, dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans, all coated in a flavorful mixture of herbs, cranberries, and nuts. Perfect as a make-ahead appetizer for holidays and gatherings, this cheese ball offers a delightful balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that guests will love.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 large cheese ball (serves 10–12)

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 16 oz (452g) full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened
  • 1 3/4 cups (175g) 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 (108g) finely chopped dried cranberries, divided
  • 3/4 cup (100g) finely chopped pecans, divided

Instructions

  1. Soften Cream Cheese: Allow the full-fat brick-style cream cheese to come to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing.
  2. Beat Cream Cheese: In a stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy, approximately 2 minutes.
  3. Add and Mix Remaining Ingredients: Add shredded sharp white cheddar, 1 tablespoon of chopped chives, chopped parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and half of the dried cranberries and pecans to the mixer. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are fully combined.
  4. Form and Chill Cheese Ball: Using hands or a spatula, shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 5 days to allow flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
  5. Prepare Coating: In a bowl, combine the remaining chopped chives, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans to create the outer coating for the cheese ball.
  6. Coat the Cheese Ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator, unwrap it, and gently roll it in the prepared coating mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating adheres evenly all over.
  7. Serve or Store: Serve the cheese ball immediately with crackers, or wrap it tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve. Before serving, allow it to sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes to enhance the flavors and soften the cheese.

Notes

  • Make ahead up to 5 days in advance for convenient entertaining.
  • For a nut-free alternative, substitute pecans with chopped pretzels and apply coating just before serving.
  • Wrap leftovers tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days to maintain freshness.
  • Freeze the wrapped cheese ball for up to 1 month; thaw in the fridge before serving.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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