Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightful addition to any gathering, crafting a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors that will enchant your taste buds. This versatile dish is not only visually stunning but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a must-have recipe for anyone who loves entertaining. With just a few ingredients, you can create a fabulous appetizer that showcases the beauty of seasonal flavors. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or a casual get-together, this step-by-step recipe guarantees a star dish that your friends and family will adore.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheese ball recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it requires minimal preparation time, making it a breeze to whip up even on a busy day. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday celebrations, its friendly flavors appeal to both children and adults alike. Additionally, the recipe is flexible—substitute ingredients according to personal taste or dietary needs without sacrificing flavor. It promotes communal dining as guests can gather around the platter, enjoying the cheese ball with a variety of dippers. With its vibrant colors and rich texture, this cheese ball is not just a treat for your palate but also a feast for your eyes.

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• 8 ounces cream cheese: Rich and creamy, forming the base of the cheese ball.
• 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Offers a deliciously sharp flavor to complement the creaminess.
• 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped and divided): Provides a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pop of color.
• 1 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans (chopped and toasted, optional): Adds an exquisite crunch and nutty depth.
• 1/4 cup chives or green onions (chopped): Infuses a fresh note, enhancing the overall flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives an aromatic kick to the cheese mixture.

Step-by-Step Directions for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

1. Toast the Pecans: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a baking tray and bake for about 5 minutes or until they become aromatic and lightly golden. Allow to cool slightly.

2. Blend the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy. Add half of the toasted pecans, half of the chopped cranberries, the chopped chives, and garlic powder. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and you achieve a lovely cohesive texture.

3. Form the Cheese Ball: Scoop the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

4. Garnish Before Serving: Before serving, combine the remaining chopped pecans, cranberries, and chives on a serving board. Take the cheese ball from the fridge and roll it in this mixture until it is fully coated, creating an inviting and decorated exterior.

5. Serve: Present your beautiful cheese ball on a platter surrounded by an array of crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables. This not only offers a variety of dipping options but also encourages mingling and sharing among guests.

Tips & Tricks

To elevate your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, consider adding a dash of smoked paprika for a depth of flavor or substituting the pecans with walnuts for a different nutty profile. Experimenting with spices like cayenne pepper can add an unexpected kick. If you prefer a sweeter taste, try drizzling some honey over the cheese ball just before serving. Remember to keep the cheese ball refrigerated until the last moment, ensuring it remains firm for easy slicing and dabbing.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

This cheese ball pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Offer an assortment of artisanal crackers, thinly sliced baguette, or crunchy pita chips to provide texture contrast. Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers add a refreshing crunch and vibrant colors to your appetizer spread. For a complementary beverage, a chilled sparkling water with a slice of lime can cleanse the palate perfectly.

Nutritional Information

This indulgent treat is a flavorful reminder that appetizers can also be a source of joy. Each serving of Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball contains about 200 calories, but remember that it’s best enjoyed in moderation. With the wholesome ingredients used, you’ll find protein from the cheese and healthy fats from the nuts, making this dish a balanced choice for any gathering.

Storing Tips & Variations for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

If you plan to make your cheese ball in advance, it can be stored tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring optimal freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheese ball for up to 1 month; just remember to let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving. For healthier swaps, consider using Greek yogurt in place of cream cheese for a lighter option, or try different dried fruits such as apricots or figs for variation.

Conclusion for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

There’s no denying that Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and joy to any gathering. Its delightful combination of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible appetizer that you won’t want to miss. Tempt your friends and family by trying this scrumptious recipe today; they will thank you for it!

FAQs

1. Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.

2. What can I use if I don’t have pecans?
   If you don’t have pecans on hand, walnuts or almonds are great alternatives that will complement the flavors beautifully.

3. Can I add other ingredients for extra flavor?
   Certainly! Feel free to incorporate ingredients such as dried herbs, spices, or even some crumbled bacon for added depth and character.

4. How do I store leftovers?
   Leftovers can be stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for about 3 days. Make sure it’s well-sealed to prevent drying out.

5. Is this cheese ball suitable for vegan diets?
   This specific recipe is not vegan, but you can use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives to adapt it for a vegan-friendly version.

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

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A delightful cheese ball with a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and nutty flavors, making it a must-have appetizer for gatherings.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Mixing and Chilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped and divided)
• 1 cup Fisher’s Nuts pecans (chopped and toasted, optional)
• 1/4 cup chives or green onions (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the chopped pecans on a baking tray and bake for about 5 minutes. Allow to cool.
2. In a large bowl, blend the cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth. Add half of the toasted pecans, half of the chopped cranberries, chives, and garlic powder. Mix until well combined.
3. Scoop the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate.
4. Before serving, combine remaining pecans, cranberries, and chives on a serving board. Roll the cheese ball in this mixture to coat.
5. Serve on a platter with crackers, pita chips, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

Consider adding smoked paprika or substituting pecans with walnuts for variations. Drizzle honey for a sweeter taste before serving.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 200
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg

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