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Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A sweet and savory holiday appetizer featuring a creamy cheddar base studded with cranberries and pecans, coated in a crunchy nut and herb exterior.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Holiday
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese Base
  • 16 oz full-fat cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
Mix-ins & Coating
  • 1.5 cups dried sweetened cranberries divided use
  • 1.5 cups chopped pecans toasted, divided use
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • 1 box assorted crackers for serving

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Plastic wrap
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper; mix on low until combined.
  2. Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1/2 cup of chopped pecans by hand.
  3. Scoop mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Gather corners and twist to shape into a ball.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm. (Total time includes this chilling period).
  5. On a large plate, combine remaining 1 cup cranberries, 1 cup pecans, and parsley.
  6. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the coating mixture until fully covered, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Serve immediately with crackers or pretzels. Let sit at room temp for 15 mins before serving for easier scooping.

Notes

For best results, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded. The cheese ball base can be made up to 3 days in advance; roll in nuts just before serving.