Description
A simple, festive cheese ball coated in cranberries and pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces full-fat brick-style cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 and 3/4 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives, divided
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon light or dark brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup finely chopped dried cranberries, divided
- 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans, divided
Instructions
- Use a stand mixer with a paddle or whisk attachment. Beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed for about 2 minutes until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheese, 1 Tablespoon chopped chives, chopped parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the chopped dried cranberries (about 6 Tbsp), and half of the chopped pecans (about 6 Tbsp). Beat or stir until combined.
- Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the bowl sides and form the mixture into a ball. Use your hands if needed.
- Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining chopped chives, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans.
- Sprinkle the coating onto a large plate. Roll the cheese ball into the mixture to coat it evenly.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 5 days.
- To serve, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to soften slightly. Unwrap it and place it on a platter with crackers and a spreading knife.
Notes
- Store leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 10 days; it tastes best within the first 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2 Tbsp)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Holiday Cheese Ball, Cranberries, Pecans, Christmas Dinner Ideas, Holiday Food, Appetizer, Cheese Spread