Description
Festive holiday gatherings sparkle with this cranberry pecan cheese ball, blending creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Guests will devour this irresistible appetizer that promises delightful flavor and elegant presentation for your next celebration.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Fresh Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Coating and Mix-ins:
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing bowl, amalgamate softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and grated parmesan, ensuring a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Incorporate fresh chives, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt into the cheese mixture, blending thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Fold in half of the chopped pecans and dried cranberries, gently mixing to integrate without overmixing.
- Transfer the cheese blend onto a sheet of plastic wrap, using the wrap to shape the mixture into a compact, rounded ball.
- Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 30 minutes to firm up and allow flavors to meld.
- Prepare the exterior coating by combining remaining pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh parsley on a flat surface.
- Remove cheese ball from refrigerator, unwrap, and roll it in the pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage.
- Transfer the finished cheese ball to a serving platter, covering loosely with plastic wrap if not serving immediately.
- Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance flavor profile.
- Serve alongside crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités for an elegant appetizer experience.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese completely at room temperature to ensure smooth blending and prevent lumpy texture.
- Toast pecans lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cheese ball.
- Adjust seasoning by tasting the mixture before forming the ball, as cheese varieties can vary in saltiness.
- Make it gluten-free by serving with gluten-free crackers or vegetable sticks for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Rolling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 255
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg