Print

Best Cranberry Cheese Ball with Toasted Pecans Recipe

cranberry cheese ball - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, tangy, and sweet cheese ball studded with dried cranberries and coated in crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, this easy appetizer comes together in minutes and always gets rave reviews.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened (two 8-ounce blocks)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded (about 4 ounces)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 3 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
  • Assorted crackers, pretzel crisps, sliced baguette, or apple slices for serving

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Place finely chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Remove cream cheese from fridge 30 minutes before starting, or microwave in 10-second bursts until just softened.
  3. Mix the cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 1 minute. Add shredded sharp cheddar and beat until well combined. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  4. Add the flavorings: Add chopped dried cranberries, sliced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix on low speed until evenly distributed.
  5. Chill the mixture: Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes until firm enough to shape.
  6. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on work surface. Scrape chilled mixture onto center. Using plastic wrap, gather into a ball and twist tightly to shape into a smooth round.
  7. Chill again: Place wrapped cheese ball in fridge for at least 2 hours, or overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Coat with toasted pecans: Spread cooled toasted pecans on a plate. Unwrap chilled cheese ball and roll gently in pecans, pressing lightly to coat all over.
  9. Serve: Place coated cheese ball on serving platter. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Surround with crackers, pretzel crisps, or apple slices.

Notes

For best results, toast pecans yourself for deeper flavor. Chill between steps to ensure easy shaping and coating. Make ahead up to 3 days (through shaping step) and coat with pecans just before serving. Let cheese ball sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal spreadability.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese ball recipe, easy appetizer, party food, cranberry pecan cheese ball

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/best-cranberry-cheese-ball-with-toasted-pecans-recipe/