Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball

Introduction

I recently made this Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball for a family gathering, and it was an instant hit. The combination of the creamy texture of the cream cheese, the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, and the crunchiness of pecans created a delightful balance of flavors. The addition of orange zest and a touch of cinnamon added an extra layer of warmth that was just perfect for the season. My family loved the sweet and savory flavor profile, and it quickly became one of the most popular appetizers at the party. It’s simple to make, can be prepared in advance, and pairs wonderfully with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread. If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s both unique and delicious, this Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is definitely the way to go.

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

1. Mix the Cheese Ball Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, fresh orange zest, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is fully combined and the mixture is smooth. You can use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix everything together, depending on your preference.
2. Shape the Cheese Ball: Once everything is well mixed, transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to help form the mixture into a ball shape, making sure it is compact and evenly shaped. Once shaped, wrap the ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
3. Coat the Cheese Ball: After the cheese ball has chilled, remove it from the plastic wrap and place it on a flat surface. Roll the cheese ball in the extra chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure the nuts stick to the surface. This will create a crunchy outer layer that complements the creamy filling.
4. Serve: Once coated, your Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is ready to serve. Place it on a platter and pair it with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Servings: 8-10
• Calories per serving: 190
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 160mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1-2 hours
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

How to Serve

• With crackers: Serve with your favorite crackers such as water crackers, whole grain crackers, or even a selection of gourmet crackers to complement the creaminess and crunch of the cheese ball.
• With apple slices: The sweetness and crispness of apple slices make a perfect contrast to the savory and creamy cheese ball.
• With fresh bread: Serve with slices of fresh baguette, crostini, or artisan bread for an elegant touch.
• At a party: This is a perfect appetizer for any party or gathering, from casual get-togethers to holiday celebrations.
• On a charcuterie board: Pair it with a variety of cheeses, meats, and fruits on a charcuterie board for a delicious spread that everyone will enjoy.

Additional Tips

1. Use softened cream cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing so that it blends smoothly into the other ingredients without any lumps.
2. Customize with your favorite nuts: If you don’t have pecans, you can substitute with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios for a different flavor and texture.
3. Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a spicy kick that complements the sweetness of the cranberries and honey.
4. Add more sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can drizzle extra honey over the top of the cheese ball after coating it with pecans.
5. Chill overnight: If you’re making the cheese ball in advance, refrigerate it overnight to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up even more.

Recipe Variations

• Herbed Cheese Ball: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to the mixture for a more savory version of this cheese ball.
• Bacon & Jalapeño Cheese Ball: Incorporate cooked bacon bits and finely chopped jalapeños into the mixture for a smoky, spicy flavor that adds a great contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
• Cranberry Pistachio Cheese Ball: Swap the pecans for chopped pistachios to give the cheese ball a slightly different flavor and color.
• Creamy Blue Cheese Version: Replace half of the cream cheese with blue cheese for a tangy, bold flavor.
• Vegan Cheese Ball: Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheddar for a dairy-free version of this cheese ball.

Serving Suggestions

• For a festive party: Serve this cheese ball at a holiday gathering or New Year’s Eve celebration with a selection of wines or cocktails to impress your guests.
• As a holiday appetizer: It’s especially great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or Easter as a light starter before the main meal.
• On a grazing table: This cheese ball is perfect for a grazing table, alongside other small bites like cheese, nuts, fruits, and meats.
• For picnics: Take this cheese ball with you on your next picnic; it’s portable, easy to serve, and pairs well with almost anything.
• As a snack: Keep it in the fridge for an easy and satisfying snack when you’re craving something savory and slightly sweet.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The cheese ball will stay fresh and delicious.
• Freezing: This cheese ball can be frozen before rolling in the pecans. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before coating with pecans and serving.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Just make sure to coat it in pecans right before serving.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   Fresh cranberries will not work well in this recipe, as they have too much moisture. Dried cranberries are the best option.
3. What’s the best way to soften cream cheese?
   Simply leave the cream cheese out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or microwave it in short 10-second bursts to soften.
4. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes, you can substitute the sharp cheddar with mild cheddar or even a mixture of cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
5. How long can I keep the cheese ball in the fridge?
   It will stay fresh for up to 4-5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
6. Can I make this a spicy cheese ball?
   Yes, you can add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes to the mixture for a spicy version.
7. What other nuts can I use?
   Walnuts, almonds, or cashews make great substitutes for pecans if you don’t have them on hand.
8. Can I make this dairy-free?
   Yes, substitute the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese and use a dairy-free cheese option.
9. How can I serve this at a party?
   Place the cheese ball in the center of a platter and surround it with crackers, sliced fruit, and bread for easy serving.
10. Can I freeze this cheese ball?
    Yes, you can freeze the cheese ball before rolling it in pecans. Thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Conclusion

This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer that’s sure to impress at any gathering. The combination of sweet, tart cranberries, rich cream cheese, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor profile that’s both indulgent and refreshing. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a snack, this cheese ball will quickly become a favorite. It’s versatile, can be customized with different flavors and ingredients, and is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Enjoy this simple, yet elegant dish at your next get-together!

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