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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a classic party favorite and an easy make-ahead appetizer that pleases a crowd.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chilling Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 24 servings
Calories 150 kcal

Equipment

  • Stand Mixer

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces full-fat brick-style cream cheese softened to room temperature
  • 1.75 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives divided
  • 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar light or dark
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.75 cups finely chopped dried cranberries divided
  • 0.75 cups finely chopped pecans divided

Instructions
 

  • Using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened cream cheese on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the shredded cheese, 1 Tablespoon chopped chives, chopped parsley, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the chopped dried cranberries (about 6 Tbsp), and half of the chopped pecans (about 6 Tbsp), and beat/stir until combined.
  • Make the coating: In a small bowl, stir together the remaining chopped chives, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans. Sprinkle the coating onto a large plate, and roll the cheese ball into the mixture to evenly coat.
  • Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, and up to 5 days.
  • To serve, let the cheese ball sit out at room temperature for 20–30 minutes to slightly soften up. Unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a plate or platter surrounded by crackers, along with a knife to spread.
  • Cover/wrap leftover cheese ball tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. It's best within the first 5 days.

Notes

This cheese ball can be made ahead and stored for later use, making it a perfect appetizer for parties.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cheese ball sliceCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 60mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 100mgIron: 1mg
Keyword appetizer, cheese ball, Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, make-ahead, party food
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