Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
This delightful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is an elegant and tasty appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans offers a delicious contrast in flavors and textures, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 electric mixer or wooden spoon
- 1 plastic wrap
- 1 serving platter
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz goat cheese softened
- ¼ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ¼ cup pecans finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup pecans for rolling
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Mix using an electric mixer or a wooden spoon until smooth and well-combined.
- Add the chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up the mixture.
- After the cheese ball has chilled, unwrap it and roll it in the extra chopped pecans, ensuring it is evenly coated all around.
- Place the cheese ball on a serving platter. Serve it with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit.
- If desired, mix in a tablespoon of honey into the cheese mixture for added sweetness before shaping.
- Consider adding herbs like thyme or rosemary to the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Notes
You can make this cheese ball a day in advance. Just keep it wrapped in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
If you want to add a bit of sweetness, consider mixing in a tablespoon of honey into the cheese mixture.
Experiment with herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.