Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
A creamy, flavorful appetizer featuring the delightful combination of cream cheese, cheddar, pecans, and cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Cheese and Base
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened Allow to come to room temperature for easy mixing.
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Add-ins
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans Use toasted pecans for extra flavor.
- 0.5 cup chopped dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp chopped green onion Adds a fresh flavor.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Soften 8 ounces of cream cheese until creamy and spreadable.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until well blended.
- Stir in 0.5 cup of chopped pecans, ensuring their delightful crunch is evenly distributed.
- Add 0.5 cup of chopped dried cranberries for a sweet contrast.
- Incorporate 2 tablespoons of chopped green onion, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix until all ingredients are fully combined.
- Shape the mixture into a round ball and wrap in plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to meld.
Serving
- Unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving platter.
- Serve with an array of crunchy crackers or fresh fruits.
Notes
For a festive twist, add finely chopped fresh herbs or dried figs. Substitute the nuts or cheeses based on personal preference.