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To make a tasty Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, gather these key ingredients: - 8 oz cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped - 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish These ingredients work together to create a rich, creamy texture. The dried cranberries add sweetness, while the pecans give a nice crunch. You can change things up based on your taste. Here are some fun options: - Use different nuts like walnuts or almonds. - Swap cheddar for cream cheese or goat cheese. - Add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick. - Try fresh herbs like chives or dill for more flavor. Mixing in these optional ingredients can make the cheese ball unique and suited to your palate. You’ll need a few simple tools to make your cheese ball: - Mixing bowl - Spatula or electric mixer - Plastic wrap - Serving platter These tools will help you create and serve your cheese ball easily. Enjoy the process, and don't forget to have fun with it! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by grabbing a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and the shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or an electric mixer to blend them well. Aim for a smooth and creamy texture. Next, add the chopped dried cranberries, finely chopped pecans, and green onions. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are well combined. Once the mixture is ready, it’s time to shape it. Use your hands to form the cheese mixture into a ball. If you notice any bits sticking out, gently press them back into the ball. This helps keep the cheese ball neat and tidy. Now, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap. Chill it in the fridge for at least two hours. This step is important as it helps the flavors blend together. After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in extra chopped pecans. Press lightly to make sure they stick. Finally, place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Garnish it with fresh herbs for a pop of color. This dish looks great and tastes even better! To make your cranberry pecan cheese ball shine, balance is key. The sweetness of cranberries pairs well with sharp cheddar. If you want more zest, add a bit of lemon juice. A touch of honey can enhance sweetness too. Always taste your mix before shaping it. Adjust spices like garlic and onion powder to suit your taste. Presentation brings your dish to life. Serve the cheese ball on a colorful platter. Surround it with an array of crackers, veggie sticks, or apple slices. You can use fresh herbs as a garnish for a pop of color. Adding a small bowl of honey or jam nearby can be a nice touch too. The visual appeal makes it inviting for guests. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure success. First, don’t rush the chilling time. This step helps the flavors meld. If the mixture is too soft, it may fall apart. Make sure you chop the cranberries and nuts finely. Big pieces can disrupt the texture. Lastly, don’t skip the extra pecan coating. It adds flavor and looks great. Pro Tips Chill It Well: Make sure to refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours. This not only firms it up but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Customize Your Nuts: You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile. Toasting them lightly before adding can enhance their crunchiness. Add a Kick: For a spicy twist, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Presentation Matters: Roll the cheese ball in a variety of toppings like chopped herbs, seeds, or additional nuts to create a visually appealing appetizer. {{image_2}} You can add sweet and savory flavors to your cheese ball. Try mixing in honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds a nice kick. You can also toss in some dried apricots or figs for a fruity twist. These additions make each bite taste unique and exciting. If you want to change the cheese, you have options! Cream cheese works great, but you can use goat cheese or feta for a tangy flavor. For a sharper taste, add blue cheese or smoked gouda. Mix and match different cheeses to find your perfect blend. It makes the cheese ball more personal and fun. For those who follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy this cheese ball. Use vegan cream cheese and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. For a nut-free option, replace pecans with sunflower seeds. This way, you keep the creaminess and flavor while respecting dietary needs. Enjoying this dish is possible for everyone! To store your leftover cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps it fresh and moist. You can also place it in an airtight container. Be sure to seal it well to avoid air exposure. This helps maintain its taste and texture. You can keep the cheese ball in the fridge for about 5 days. After that, it may lose its flavor and texture. If you freeze it, it can last up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap it securely before freezing. Cranberry pecan cheese ball is best served cold. So, there is no need to reheat it. If you want to refresh it, take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften a bit and enhance the flavors. Enjoy it with fresh crackers or veggies for a tasty snack! You can serve your cheese ball with many tasty options. Here are some ideas: - Crackers (various types for texture) - Sliced veggies (carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers) - Apple wedges (for a sweet touch) - Bread slices (to complement the cheese) - Pretzels (for a crunchy bite) These options make a colorful spread. Mix and match to please your guests. Yes, you can make this cheese ball ahead of time. I recommend making it a day before your event. Just shape it, wrap it well, and chill. This allows the flavors to blend nicely. A cheese ball stays fresh in the fridge for about five days. Wrap it well to keep it from drying out. If you notice any change in smell or texture, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your cheese ball while it’s at its best! You can easily craft a delicious Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball with the right ingredients and tools. I covered essential and optional ingredients, along with step-by-step instructions for making the cheese mixture, shaping it, and chilling it for serving. I shared tips for flavor, presentation, and avoided common mistakes. You also learned about fun variations and key storage tips. With this knowledge, you can impress friends and family at your next gathering. Enjoy creating your cheese ball masterpiece!

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A delightful cheese ball made with cream cheese, cheddar, cranberries, and pecans, perfect for gatherings.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • to taste Fresh herbs (like thyme or parsley) for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a spatula or electric mixer to blend until smooth and well-combined.
  • Add the chopped dried cranberries, finely chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
  • Shape the mixture into a ball using your hands. If any ingredients are sticking out, gently press them into the surface.
  • Once formed, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
  • After refrigeration, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in additional chopped pecans, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs for an appealing presentation.

Notes

Serve with an assortment of crackers, sliced vegetables, or apple wedges for a colorful presentation.
Keyword appetizer, cheese ball, cranberry, party food, pecan