Get ready to elevate your appetizer game with the irresistible Cranberry Bacon and Walnut Cheeseball! This delectable blend of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors is not just a treat for the taste buds—it's a showstopper for any gathering. With just 15 minutes of prep time, this scrumptious cheeseball is perfect for holiday parties, game days, or casual get-togethers. Imagine the delight of your guests as they dig into this delightful creation, each bite bursting with the crunch of walnuts, the savory goodness of bacon, and the tart sweetness of cranberries. Curious to learn how to whip up this crowd-pleaser? Read on for the simple steps to create a cheeseball that will have everyone asking for your secret recipe!
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and allow to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, place the softened cream cheese and use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Carefully fold in the crumbled bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the cream cheese mixture.
- Add chopped walnuts and dried cranberries to the mixture, gently stirring to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Sprinkle in garlic powder and chopped fresh parsley, mixing until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean hands, shape the mixture into a compact ball, ensuring all ingredients are held together firmly.
- Optional: Roll the cheeseball in additional chopped walnuts or parsley for a decorative exterior coating.
- Wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and mixture to firm up.
- Before serving, remove from refrigerator 15-20 minutes to soften slightly and allow flavors to develop.
- Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités.
Tips
- Soften the Cream Cheese: For the best texture, allow the cream cheese to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing. This will make it easier to blend and create a smooth base.
- Mixing Technique: Use a hand mixer or a sturdy wooden spoon to ensure the cream cheese is fully blended before adding the other ingredients. This will help achieve a creamy consistency that holds together well.
- Ingredient Distribution: When folding in the bacon, walnuts, and cranberries, be gentle to maintain the integrity of the ingredients while ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Chill for Flavor: Don’t skip the refrigeration step! Allowing the cheeseball to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Presentation Matters: For a stunning presentation, consider rolling the cheeseball in additional chopped walnuts or fresh parsley before serving. This not only adds a decorative touch but also a bit of extra flavor.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your cheeseball with a variety of dippers like crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités to create a delightful spread that caters to all tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
