Description
A delightful and easy-to-make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball that combines creamy sharp cheddar with tangy dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties or gatherings, this cheese ball is wrapped in a flavorful coating of cranberries, pecans, and fresh chives, offering a beautiful and tasty appetizer served with crackers or toasted bread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped and toasted)
- 2 tablespoons chives (chopped)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp fine sea salt
Coating
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
- 1/2 cup pecans (chopped and toasted)
- 2 tablespoons chives (chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar, half of the dried cranberries, half of the toasted pecans, chopped chives, garlic powder, and sea salt until everything is fully combined.
- Shape and chill: Place the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape it into a ball, then wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least one hour to firm up the cheese ball.
- Prepare the coating: In a separate small bowl, mix together the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives. This will be used to coat the cheese ball.
- Coat the cheese ball: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the plastic wrap. Roll it in the cranberry, pecan, and chive mixture, lightly pressing to ensure the coating adheres evenly all around the cheese ball. Place on a clean serving plate.
- Serve: Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly. Serve with an assortment of crackers or toasted bread slices.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing.
- To toast pecans, place them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- The cheese ball can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- Letting the cheese ball rest at room temperature before serving improves flavor and spreadability.
- Feel free to customize the coating with other nuts or dried fruits as desired.
