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Cranberry pecan cheese ball garnished with nuts and cranberries on a serving platter

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A delightful blend of creamy and crunchy textures, combining savory and sweet elements, perfect for gatherings or as a tasty snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 200
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese and Mixture
  • 8 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Sharp cheddar can be used for added flavor.
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
Coating
  • extra cup chopped pecans For coating.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, and green onions. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well integrated.
  2. Once mixed, form the cheese mixture into a round ball shape. If the mixture feels too sticky, refrigerate it for a few minutes to firm up.
  3. Roll the cheese ball in extra chopped pecans, ensuring it's coated on all sides for an added crunch.
  4. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld.
Serving
  1. Serve with crackers or slices of bread for a delicious appetizer that everyone will love.

Notes

To elevate your cheese ball, consider adding optional extras like minced fresh herbs or spices such as smoked paprika. Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to enhance its flavor and ease of spreading. You can also customize the nut coating with walnuts or almonds.