Description

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delicious and festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. Creamy cream cheese and sharp cheddar blend with crunchy toasted pecans and sweet dried cranberries, complemented by fresh chives and a hint of garlic powder. Rolled in a colorful cranberry-pecan mixture, this cheese ball pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, pretzels, or fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball

8 ounces cream cheese
1 cup white sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped
½ tsp garlic powder

Pecans

1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted

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Instructions

Toast Pecans: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Spread the chopped pecans on a baking tray and toast for 5 minutes, or until aromatic. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.
Mix Cheese Ball: In a large bowl, beat together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, half of the toasted pecans (½ cup), half of the chopped dried cranberries (½ cup), chopped chives or green onions, and garlic powder until well combined and smooth.
Shape and Chill: Place the cheese mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Cover completely with the wrap while forming the mixture into a ball shape. Place the wrapped cheese ball in the refrigerator to chill until firm and ready to serve.
Prepare Coating: On a flat surface or cutting board, combine the remaining ½ cup toasted pecans, remaining ½ cup chopped dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons chopped chives.
Coat Cheese Ball: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the cranberry-pecan-chive mixture until evenly coated.
Serve: Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, pita chips, pretzels, carrots, or celery sticks for dipping and spreading.

Notes

To enhance the aroma and flavor of pecans, toast them carefully watching that they do not burn.
For a smoother cheese ball, allow cream cheese to soften at room temperature before mixing.
Substitute chives with green onions or fresh parsley if preferred.
Serve immediately after coating for best presentation and texture.
You can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead; keep wrapped and refrigerated to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 12 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 30 mg