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Irresistible Festive Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball

A delicious and easy-to-make cheese ball featuring creamy textures, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Mixture
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened Choose full-fat for best flavor.
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Use freshly shredded for optimal texture.
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar Sifted for smooth incorporation.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Use pure vanilla for best flavor.
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped Reserve some for garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange zest Adds a bright flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon Enhances the sweetness.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt Balances flavors.
Topping
  • 1/2 cup pecans, chopped and toasted Toast for added flavor.
Serving
  • Crackers or sliced baguette For serving.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Blend until smooth.
  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, orange zest, and salt to the cheese mixture. Mix until well combined.
  3. Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, reserving a handful for garnish.
  4. Form the mixture into a ball shape and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight.
Toasting Pecans
  1. While the cheese ball is chilling, toast the pecans in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
Finishing Touch
  1. Once the cheese ball is chilled, unwrap it and roll in the toasted pecans to coat evenly.
  2. Garnish with reserved dried cranberries.
Serving
  1. Serve with crackers or sliced baguette.

Notes

For an extra kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Store well wrapped in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to a month.