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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball served on a festive platter

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A festive and easy cheese ball with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, cranberries, and pecans that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Ball Base
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened For a creamy texture
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese Adds flavor
Mix-Ins
  • ½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped For a sweet burst
  • ½ cup pecans, finely chopped Provides nutty crunch
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped For a hint of freshness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder For added flavor
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce To enhance taste
Optional Coating
  • extra chopped pecans for rolling For additional texture

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend until smooth and velvety.
  2. Stir in the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, green onions, garlic powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix until everything is beautifully blended.
  3. Form the mixture into a ball shape or shape it into a log if preferred.
  4. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour to hold its shape.
  5. After chilling, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped pecans for texture and a festive look.
  6. Serve your cheese ball on a platter with an assortment of crackers, veggies, or sweet items like apple slices.

Notes

You can personalize with different mix-ins such as chopped olives or different nuts. Make it a day ahead to save time!