Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar combined with fresh green onions, brown sugar, and spices. Rolled in a crunchy coating of dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings or any party where you want a crowd-pleasing dip with a sweet and savory twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (divided)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅜ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (half of ¾ cup)
- ⅜ cup pecans, finely chopped (half of ¾ cup)
Coating
- ⅜ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (remaining half)
- ⅜ cup pecans, finely chopped (remaining half)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (remaining half)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded sharp cheddar, half of the chopped green onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat everything until thoroughly combined.
- Shape the cheese ball: Use a silicone spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and form the mixture into a ball. If sticky, grease your hands lightly with butter or oil to make shaping easier.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Spread this mixture out on a plate and roll the cheese ball until fully coated with the mixture.
- Chill and serve: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften. Serve on a platter with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- To store leftover cheese ball, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate.
- Keeps fresh up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
- For longer storage, freeze well wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month.
- Thaw frozen cheese ball in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 28g)
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
