Description

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive, creamy appetizer that bursts with flavor, combining tangy cream cheese, rich cheddar, and the sweet-tart crunch of cranberries and pecans. This crowd-pleaser is perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers, easily made in advance and served with your favorite crackers or fruit. With its delightful blend of textures and flavors, it’s sure to be the star of any snack table.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
1/2 cup pecans, chopped
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried thyme or dill

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth.
Gently fold in cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, and herbs until evenly mixed.
Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Before serving, roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans for extra crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: None
Category: Appetizer
Method: Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 oz
Calories: 110
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: For added flavor variations, try incorporating different nuts such as walnuts or almonds. You can swap the cranberries for dried apricots or figs for a unique twist. Serve with assorted crackers or fresh veggies to enhance your presentation.