Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball (Easy Make-Ahead Appetizer)
A creamy cranberry pecan cheese ball with sharp cheddar, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. A festive make-ahead appetizer perfect for holidays, parties, and charcuterie boards.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- ½ cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup roughly chopped Craisins, divided
- 1 ½ cups chopped pecans, divided
- ¼ cup finely chopped scallions or green onions, tops only
Instructions
- Use an electric mixer to combine the cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Add ½ cup each of the Craisins and pecans. Add the scallions, and combine.
- Place the remaining pecans and cranberries on a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper.
- Form the cheese mixture into a ball and gently roll it in the pecans and cranberries to coat the outside.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or until ready to serve.
- Serve with assorted sturdy crackers, small toasts, or chips.
Notes
If you have trouble with the cheese ball holding its shape while rolling it in the pecans and cranberries, put it in the fridge for about 30 minutes for it to firm up.
Chill before serving—the flavor improves and the texture firms.
Chop add-ins finely for better mixing and cleaner slices.
Work quickly when forming the ball; warmth makes it sticky.
Use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and shape.
Wait to roll the ball in the pecans and Craisins until just before serving if you want a crisp, pretty coating.
Nutrition
Calories: 109kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 2gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 24mgSodium: 91mgPotassium: 38mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 322IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 54mgIron: 0.1mg
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