Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Delight your guests this holiday season with a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball—an irresistible blend of creamy and tangy cheeses enveloped in crunchy pecans and sweet cranberries. This festive appetizer is not only visually stunning, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to any gathering. Serve it alongside an array of crackers or fresh vegetables, and watch as everyone comes back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz soft cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
- Stir in dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional herbs until evenly mixed.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula.
- Roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
- Serve with assorted crackers or veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
Keywords: - For added flavor variation, consider substituting cranberries with raisins or adding fresh herbs like rosemary. - Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different crunch.