Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

 Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

 Creamy, tangy, and studded with dried cranberries and toasted pecans — a festive appetizer that makes a great centerpiece for any party.

Prep time: 15 minutes
|
Chill time: at least 1 hour
|
Total time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Yield: 10–12 servings
Bright dried cranberries and toasted pecans give this cheese ball color, texture and crunch.

Table of Contents

    Introduction
    Ingredients
    Instructions
    Tips & Variations
    Storage
    Closing Notes
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Introduction


This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a timeless party appetizer: smooth cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar, sweet-tart dried cranberries and savory herbs,
then rolled in a crunchy coating of chopped pecans and more cranberries. It’s easy to prepare ahead and travels well, making it ideal for holidays, potlucks,
or casual gatherings.
Ingredients

    16 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
    1 ¾ cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
    2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (divided)
    2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
    1 tsp brown sugar
    1 tsp garlic powder
    ¼ tsp salt
    ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
    ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (divided)
    ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped (divided)

Instructions

    Beat the cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth, about 1–2 minutes.
    Mix in flavorings: Add shredded cheddar, 1 tbsp chives, parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and half the chopped cranberries and pecans. Mix until well combined.
    Shape and chill: Shape the mixture into a ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate at least 1 hour (or up to 5 days) to firm.
    Prepare coating: Combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives on a flat plate.
    Roll and finish: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the cranberry–pecan mixture, pressing gently so it adheres. Place on a serving platter with crackers or veggies.
    Bring to serving temperature: Let the cheese ball sit 20–30 minutes at room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

    Toast the pecans lightly in a 350°F oven for 6–8 minutes to deepen their flavor before chopping.
    For a sweeter profile, increase brown sugar to 1½ tsp, or fold in a tablespoon of honey.
    Substitute dried cranberries with chopped dried cherries or apricots for a different fruit note.
    Make mini cheese balls: portion into smaller balls for individual servings or party favors.
    To make the cheese ball firmer for travel, refrigerate overnight before coating and serving.

Storage

Refrigerate the cheese ball covered for up to 5 days. If coated, store in a shallow container to avoid crushing the coating. Bring to room temperature 20–30 minutes before serving.
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Closing Notes

This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is an effortless showstopper—creamy, flavor-packed, and easy to prepare ahead. Recipe provided by tinsuf.