This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the ultimate blend of savory and sweet, delivering a burst of flavor that delights the palate. Packed with creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s a festive treat that brings people together. Perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy get-togethers, this easy recipe allows you to whip up a delicious appetizer in no time. With its vibrant colors and appealing texture, it’s not just a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes!
What makes this cheese ball even more appealing is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients, you can create a sophisticated dish that impresses friends and family alike. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party, a potluck, or even as a fun snack at home, this cheese ball is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it pairs beautifully with various dippings such as crackers, fresh veggies, or even sliced bread, making it versatile for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of sweet cranberries, creamy cheese, and crunchy pecans creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal steps and no cooking required, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike.
- Versatile: Serve it with various accompaniments like crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
- Great for Entertaining: A real showstopper for any gathering, this cheese ball adds a festive touch to your table.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To successfully create your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, start by setting up your kitchen workspace. Ensure all your tools and ingredients are at hand. You’ll need mixing bowls, a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring, and plastic wrap for chilling. It’s also helpful to have a cheese grater for the Parmesan cheese if you’re using a block. Before you begin, ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature; this makes it easier to blend with the other ingredients. Prepare a clean surface where you can shape the cheese ball and lay out a plate or platter for serving.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped pecans (plus more for coating)
- ¼ cup sugar
- Optional: powdered sugar or extra pecans for rolling
Instructions
Step 1: Mix Everything Together
Start your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball by combining the cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to blend these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture. This is where the magic happens, as the flavors meld together beautifully!
Step 2: Shape the Cheese Ball
Once your mixture is well-combined, it’s time to form your cheese ball. Using your hands or a spatula, carefully shape the blended mixture into a ball. Ensure it’s compact so that it holds its shape when you serve it. If you find the mixture is too sticky, you can dampen your hands slightly to make the shaping easier.
Step 3: Chill the Cheese Ball
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, making sure it’s securely covered. Place it in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least two hours. This chilling time is essential, as it helps the cheese ball firm up, ensuring it maintains its shape when served. If you’re short on time, even a 30-minute chill can help, but longer is better for the best texture.
Step 4: Final Touches
Before serving, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans or powdered sugar for a sweet touch. This step not only enhances the presentation but adds an extra crunch. Serve the cheese ball alongside an array of crackers, vegetable sticks, or fresh slices of bread for dipping.
Variations
- Protein: Add diced cooked bacon or sausage for a savory twist.
- Vegetables: Include chopped green onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.
- Spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or black pepper to give it a unique taste profile.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to soften your cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Feel free to customize the mix-ins based on your taste or dietary preferences.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a variety of crackers for an appealing presentation and taste contrast.
- Fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery make a refreshing complement.
Tips
- For added flavor, use a mix of nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, in addition to pecans.
- If you prefer a sweeter taste, increase the amount of sugar or add a drizzle of honey before serving.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required)
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 250 per serving (approximately)
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
How long can the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball be stored?
You can store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly.
Can I freeze the cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can freeze it! Wrap it tightly and store in a freezer-safe container for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before serving.
What can I use instead of pecans?
If you’re looking for alternatives, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes and will still provide that necessary crunch.
Is this cheese ball gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you pair it with gluten-free crackers, this cheese ball can fit into a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that can brighten up any gathering. It’s simple to make, yet impressive to serve, making it an essential recipe for your holiday repertoire. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try out variations with different herbs, spices, or nuts, this cheese ball is sure to be a hit. So gather your ingredients, prepare your cheese ball, and delight your guests with this scrumptious appetizer. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and variations in the comments below!
Print
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the ultimate blend of savory and sweet, delivering a burst of flavor that delights the palate. Packed with creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s a festive treat that brings people together.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chopped pecans (plus more for coating)
- ¼ cup sugar
- Optional: powdered sugar or extra pecans for rolling
Instructions
- Start your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball by combining the cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or spoon to blend these ingredients thoroughly until they form a cohesive mixture.
- Once your mixture is well-combined, it’s time to form your cheese ball. Using your hands or a spatula, carefully shape the blended mixture into a ball.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap, making sure it’s securely covered. Place it in the refrigerator and allow it to chill for at least two hours.
- Before serving, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans or powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
Notes
Make sure to soften your cream cheese at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Protein: 6 g