Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
This easy-to-make Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball is a crowd favorite for your next party or gathering. Serve with crackers for an irresistible appetizer.
Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
If you're looking for an easy and delicious Thanksgiving or Christmas appetizer, this cranberry pecan cheeseball is the perfect recipe idea.
It’s made with cream cheese, cheddar, dried cranberries, and pecans, giving it the perfect mix of fall and winter flavors.
Perfect for parties or just a fun treat to share, this cheeseball is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened to room temperature to easily blend with the other ingredients.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Avoid pre-shredded cheese, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the consistency.
Dried Cranberries: If you prefer a slightly sweeter touch, use sweetened dried cranberries. Chopping them into smaller pieces helps them mix better into the cheeseball.
Chopped Pecans: Make sure to chop them into small pieces for easy coating.
Green Onions: Use fresh green onions and finely chop them to avoid big chunks.
Seasonings & Spices: Use garlic powder, salt and pepper to season the cheeseball.
Extra Chopped Pecans and Cranberries for Coating: This is optional.
How to Make
Mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until everything is well combined.
Once the mixture is smooth and evenly blended, shape it into a ball using your hands.
Wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour to let it firm up.
After the cheeseball has chilled, take it out of the fridge and roll it in extra chopped pecans and cranberries to coat the outside evenly.
Serve the cheeseball with your favorite crackers, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips for making these cheeseball:
Room Temp Cream Cheese: Make sure to use room temperature cream cheese to make mixing easier and help prevent lumps.
Pre-chopped Pecans: For a quicker prep time, purchase chopped pecans.
Sub Cheese: You can substitute the sharp cheddar with a milder cheese like Monterey Jack or even a blend of cheeses if you prefer.
Make it Spicy! If you want a bit of extra kick, add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the mix.
Leftovers/Storage
Store any leftover cheeseball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
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Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup green onions finely chopped
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra chopped pecans and cranberries for coating
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Once chilled, roll the cheeseball in extra chopped pecans and cranberries to coat the outside.
- Serve with your favorite crackers.
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
