Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
The holiday season is the perfect time to bring people together over food that’s both delicious and festive, and this cranberry pecan cheeseball fits the bill perfectly.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand mixer or stand mixer
- Spatula
- Plate or serving platter
- Food processor (optional)
Ingredients
For the Cheeseball:
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup pecans finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries chopped (for extra festive color)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Chop the dried cranberries and pecans if you haven’t already.
- Finely slice the green onions.
- Measure out all your spices and cheeses so everything is ready to go.
- Pro Tip: Toasting the pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes brings out their flavor and adds extra crunch.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeseball Base
- In a medium mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
- Use a hand mixer on low speed to combine until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix again until everything is evenly distributed.
- Pro Tip: Stop and scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to make sure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Shape the Cheeseball
- Transfer the mixture onto a clean piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Using your hands or a spatula, shape it into a tight ball.
- Wrap the cheeseball completely in the plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1–2 hours.
- Pro Tip: Chilling makes it easier to roll in the coating without sticking to your hands.
Step 4: Coat the Cheeseball
- Spread the finely chopped pecans and extra cranberries on a plate.
- Remove the cheeseball from the fridge and unwrap it.
- Roll the cheeseball gently in the pecan-cranberry mixture until fully coated.
- Pro Tip: Press lightly with your hands to ensure the coating sticks, but don’t press too hard or it will flatten the ball.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Place the coated cheeseball on a festive serving platter.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.
- Keep any leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Pro Tip: Let the cheeseball sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving—this enhances the flavors and makes it easier to spread.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Cholesterol: 35mg