Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive holiday appetizer that’s as simple as it is impressive. With creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, nutty pecans, and a hint of sweetness, it strikes the perfect balance of flavors. Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies, and watch it disappear at parties and gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for rolling)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional: extra chopped pecans or powdered sugar for rolling
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, Parmesan, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir until smooth and evenly mixed.
- Form the Ball: Shape the mixture into a round ball using your hands or a spatula, pressing gently to keep its shape.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or overnight) to let the flavors meld and firm up.
- Roll and Garnish: Before serving, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped pecans or dust lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Plate with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables and serve immediately.
Notes
- For a sweeter cheese ball, add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup before rolling.
- Swap pecans for walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a fun twist.
- Make ahead: This cheese ball can be prepared up to 2 days in advance, just keep it tightly wrapped until ready to roll and serve.
- For a holiday look, mix in some finely chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of pomegranate arils before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of cheese ball
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 160 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball, Christmas appetizer, easy party snack