Description
A festive and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball perfect for holiday parties or gatherings. This creamy blend of full-fat cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, fresh green onions, dried cranberries, and pecans creates a delightful appetizer that’s both sweet and savory. Rolled in a crunchy coating of cranberries, pecans, and green onions, this cheese ball is easy to prepare ahead of time and pairs wonderfully with crackers or fresh veggies for dipping.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Base
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 + 3/4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (divided)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/8 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (half of 3/4 cup)
- 3/8 cup pecans, finely chopped (half of 3/4 cup)
Coating
- 3/8 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (remaining half)
- 3/8 cup pecans, finely chopped (remaining half)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (remaining half)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, half of the chopped green onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat everything until well combined and uniformly mixed.
- Shape the cheese ball: Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and then form the mixture into a ball using your hands. If the mixture is sticky, grease your hands lightly with butter or oil to facilitate shaping.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Spread this mixture evenly on a plate. Roll the formed cheese ball on the plate until it is fully coated with the cranberry-pecan-green onion mixture.
- Chill & serve: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 5 days, to allow it to set and meld flavors. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly. Serve on a platter surrounded by crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- To store leftovers, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It stays fresh for up to 5 days.
- You can freeze the cheese ball for up to 1 month. Make sure to wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Thaw frozen cheese ball in the refrigerator overnight before serving. It will maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1 oz)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 130 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
