Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is the perfect balance of sweet and savory. It combines creamy cheese, tart dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of orange zest for an appetizer that is sure to delight. With just a handful of ingredients, it’s an easy, impressive dish to serve at any party or gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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 bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, orange zest, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until smooth and fully combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form it into a ball. Once shaped, wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to set.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: After the cheese ball has chilled, unwrap it and roll it in additional chopped pecans to coat the outside, giving it a crunchy texture and enhancing the flavor.
- Serve: Serve the cheese ball with crackers, apple slices, or fresh bread for a delightful sweet and savory bite.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure smooth incorporation with the other ingredients.
- You can make this cheese ball a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.
- For an added twist, drizzle extra honey over the top of the cheese ball before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 -2 hour
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Mixing, Chilling, Coating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of the recipe
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 30mg