Cranberry Cheese Ball
Elevate your holiday snack game with this simple and festive Cranberry Cheese Ball. It’s an easy prep, make-ahead appetizer with only 6 ingredients, making it an excellent choice for entertaining!
Servings: 42 servings
Calories: 47kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup dried cranberries finely diced
- 1 cup diced pecans
- 1/4 cup minced chives
- 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
- 4 ounces shredded white cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons orange zest
Instructions
- To a small bowl, combine cranberries, pecans and chives.
- To a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, and orange zest. Blend with a hand mixer until smooth.
- Add half of the cranberry mixture to the cream cheese mixture. Blend again until the ingredients are dispersed evenly.
- Transfer the cream cheese mixture to plastic wrap. Roll in a ball or shape into a log. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, pour the remaining cranberry mixture on a cutting board. Roll the cheese ball or cheese log in the mixture, ensuring the entire surface is covered.
- Serve the cheese ball or cheese log with graham crackers or salted crackers.
Video
Notes
Serving size noted is for 2 tablespoons of the spread.
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Cheese Variations. Swap white cheddar with sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor. Goat cheese, gorgonzola or blue cheese are other excellent alternatives.
- Nut Options. Use chopped walnuts, almonds, or pistachios if you prefer a different nutty crunch.
- Add-ins. Incorporate dried apricots, chopped fresh herbs like parsley, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Serving Ideas. Serve with a variety of sweet and savory crackers, a sliced toasted baguette, apple slices, or celery sticks.
- Topping Alternative. Instead of rolling in the pecan mixture, you could instead press the cheeseball into a flatter log or disc and pour Spicy Cranberry Salsa on top.
Serving and storage
Cranberry cheese ball is best enjoyed within a day or two of making it for optimal freshness and flavor. You’ll want it to set at room temperature for about 15 minutes before rolling in the crunchy pecan exterior mixture. Keep any leftovers covered in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If the outside gets a bit soft, re-roll in fresh chopped pecans just before serving.Nutrition
Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 27mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 69IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 29mg | Iron: 0.1mg
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