Description
The holidays are here, and there’s nothing better than gathering with friends and family around a festive spread of delicious appetizers. One dish that’s sure to impress your guests and leave everyone coming back for more is the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball. This simple yet elegant appetizer combines the creamy richness of cream cheese with the sharp tang of cheddar, perfectly balanced by the sweet burst of cranberries and the crunchy, nutty goodness of pecans. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a cozy game night, or a casual dinner with friends, this cheese ball is the perfect addition to your spread.
Ingredients
16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pecans
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup additional chopped pecans (for rolling)
1/4 cup additional chopped dried cranberries (for rolling)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, blend cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, pecans, honey, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap in plastic. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- In a small bowl, mix the additional pecans and cranberries together.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with crackers or store in the refrigerator until needed.
Notes
- Be sure to let the cheese ball chill for at least 1 hour to ensure it holds its shape and the flavors meld together.
- You can customize the coating by adding different nuts or dried fruits of your choice.
- For a more savory flavor, feel free to use a milder cheddar or experiment with other cheeses.
- This cheese ball can be made ahead and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins