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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A creamy and crunchy cheese ball made with sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and studded with pecans and cranberries, perfect for any gathering.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Ball Ingredients
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened Use reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans Plus extra for rolling.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped Can substitute with dried apricots or raisins.
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
Serving Suggestions
  • crackers or assorted veggies For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a spacious bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar. Use a hand mixer for quicker blending.
  2. Stir in the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste as you mix for the right flavor.
  3. Scoop the mixture and shape it into a ball. Chill temporarily if sticky to make handling easier.
  4. On a plate, sprinkle extra chopped pecans. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans until fully coated.
  5. Refrigerate for at least an hour to meld flavors.
  6. Serve on a platter with crackers or veggies.

Notes

Keep hands damp while rolling to avoid stickiness. This cheese ball can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. It can also be frozen for up to a month.