Why Make This Recipe
The Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is not just a tasty appetizer; it’s also a festive treat that adds cheer to your holiday gatherings. Its blend of creamy cheeses, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries makes it perfect for sharing. Plus, it’s visually appealing and easy to make, which helps you impress your guests without spending too much time in the kitchen.
How to Make Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Ingredients:
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped pecans and cranberries for decoration
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese.
- Beat or stir until the cheeses are well combined, smooth, and evenly incorporated.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and roughly shape it into a mound.
- Use your hands (over the plastic wrap) to mold the cheese into a cone or tree shape, pressing firmly to compact it.
- Wrap the shaped cheese tree tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese tree and place it on a plate or tray.
- Press additional chopped pecans and cranberries all over the outside of the tree to create a decorative, textured coating.
- Transfer the cheese ball tree carefully to your serving platter. Tuck fresh parsley sprigs around the base and at the top to resemble greenery.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables.
How to Serve Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
This cheese ball is best served chilled. You can place it in the center of your appetizer table, surrounded by an array of crackers, baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables. Let your guests enjoy it by spreading it on their chosen snacks.
How to Store Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
If you have leftovers, you can store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about a week. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, you can make it up to two days in advance and store it as described.
Tips to Make Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.
- For extra flavor, you can add a touch of your favorite herbs, such as dill or chives.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of cranberries and pecans based on your taste.
Variation
For a different twist, try using different types of nuts, like walnuts or almonds. You can also swap out the blue cheese for goat cheese for a milder flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I make the cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to two days in advance. Just wrap it well and keep it in the fridge.
2. How long does the cheese ball last?
The cheese ball will stay fresh in the refrigerator for about a week.
3. Can I freeze the cheese ball?
Yes, you can freeze it before shaping. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, let it thaw in the fridge before molding and decorating.
Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 135 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and delicious cheese ball made with creamy cheeses, crunchy pecans, and sweet cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped pecans and cranberries for decoration
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese. Beat or stir until well combined and smooth.
- Add chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoning. Mix until evenly distributed.
- Lay plastic wrap on a work surface and spoon the mixture onto the center, shaping it into a mound.
- Mold the cheese into a tree shape and wrap tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
- Unwrap the cheese tree, place on a platter, and press additional chopped pecans and cranberries onto the outside.
- Decorate with fresh parsley and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy with crackers or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Best served chilled. Can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
