Introduction
I recently made this Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball for a family gathering, and I must say, it was a hit! The combination of creamy cheese, sweet and tart cranberries, and the crunch of pecans created a perfect balance of flavors that everyone loved. My kids kept coming back for more, and my guests couldn’t stop talking about how delicious and unique it was. It’s one of those appetizers that impresses everyone, yet it’s so simple to make. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, a potluck, or a cozy family dinner, this cheese ball will surely be the star of the show!
Ingredients
For this delicious Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Ball Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, fresh orange zest, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well mixed and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too firm, you can use a hand mixer to make the process easier. - Shape the Cheese Ball
Once everything is combined, transfer the mixture to a sheet of plastic wrap. Using your hands or a spoon, shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap the plastic wrap tightly around the cheese ball to secure its shape and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and allows the cheese ball to firm up. - Coat the Cheese Ball
After the cheese ball has chilled, unwrap it from the plastic wrap and roll it in extra chopped pecans. The pecans will add a wonderful texture and an extra layer of flavor to the outside of the ball. You can roll it until fully coated or leave some spots for a more rustic look. - Serve and Enjoy
Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter, and it’s ready to serve. Pair it with your favorite crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread for a delightful appetizer.
Nutrition Facts
This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball serves about 8-10 people. Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 190 kcal
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
- Sodium: 120mg
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 5g
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1-2 hours
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Serve
This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is best served with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some ideas:
- Crackers: Choose a variety of crackers such as water crackers, graham crackers, or even whole wheat crackers.
- Apple Slices: Thinly sliced apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) pair beautifully with the creamy cheese ball.
- Fresh Bread: Slices of baguette, rustic bread, or crackers with a sturdy texture can handle the richness of the cheese ball.
- Vegetables: For a healthy option, serve with cucumber slices, celery sticks, or bell pepper slices.
- Cheese Platter: Add this cheese ball to a larger cheese platter for a variety of cheese options at your next party.
Additional Tips
- Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This ensures a smoother consistency for your cheese ball.
- Adjust Sweetness: Depending on your taste, you can add a bit more honey or cinnamon to enhance the sweetness and spice.
- Add Fresh Herbs: To add a fresh kick, consider incorporating finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the cheese ball mixture.
- Try Different Nuts: While pecans are delicious, walnuts, almonds, or even cashews can offer a unique twist on this recipe.
- Make Ahead: This recipe can be made a day ahead of time. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld even more with extra chilling time.
Recipe Variations
- Sweet and Savory Cheese Ball: Add a dash of garlic powder and onion powder to the cheese ball mixture for a savory depth that balances the sweetness of the cranberries.
- Spicy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: If you like a little heat, try adding finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Vegetarian Option: This recipe is already vegetarian, but you could swap the cheddar for a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
- Cheese Ball with Bacon: For a smoky, savory flavor, consider adding crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
- Dried Fruit Alternatives: If cranberries aren’t your thing, feel free to swap them out for raisins, dried cherries, or apricots for a different fruit flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Holiday Parties: This cheese ball is a fantastic addition to holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve parties.
- Potlucks: Pack it up and bring it to your next potluck. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
- Brunches: Serve this cheese ball with a variety of pastries and fresh fruit at your next brunch gathering.
- Game Days: This appetizer is perfect for football or other sports events, providing guests with a tasty and filling snack.
- Gift Idea: Package the cheese ball in a decorative box with a nice set of crackers as a thoughtful homemade gift for friends or family.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: You can freeze this cheese ball for up to a month. To freeze, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. When you’re ready to serve it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then coat it with pecans before serving.
- Storage: If you have leftovers, store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to keep it tightly wrapped to maintain its freshness.
FAQ Section
- Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, this cheese ball can be made a day or two ahead. Just store it in the fridge, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. - Can I use different nuts?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or cashews can work well in place of pecans. - How do I soften cream cheese quickly?
If you’re short on time, cut the cream cheese into small cubes and let it sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to soften faster. - Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe, so stick with dried cranberries for the best flavor. - How do I store leftover cheese ball?
Wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Can I add extra spices to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cloves for a deeper, warming flavor. - Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just remember to coat it with pecans after it’s thawed. - How can I make this cheese ball spicier?
Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for some heat. - Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is completely vegetarian. - What’s the best way to serve this cheese ball?
Serve it with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread for a perfect combination of textures.
Conclusion
This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with a delightful texture from the creamy cheese and crunchy nuts. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply looking for a tasty snack, this cheese ball will add a touch of elegance and flavor to your table. Try it out at your next gathering—you won’t be disappointed!