Looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have your guests raving? Look no further than these delightful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls! Bursting with creamy texture and a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, these cheese balls are the ultimate party starter. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch that serves 10, making them ideal for any gathering. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this easy yet elegant treat that pairs perfectly with your favorite crackers!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and allow to soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to ensure smooth mixing.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or wooden spoon to blend ingredients until smooth and well incorporated.
- Finely chop dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions using a sharp knife on a clean cutting board. Ensure pieces are uniform in size for consistent flavor distribution.
- Gently fold chopped cranberries, pecans, and green onions into the cheese mixture, stirring carefully to distribute ingredients evenly throughout.
- Line a small baking sheet or plate with parchment paper to prepare for shaping the cheese ball.
- Using clean hands, shape the cheese mixture into a compact round ball approximately 4-5 inches in diameter. Smooth the surface with gentle pressure.
- Optional: Roll the cheese ball in additional finely chopped pecans for extra texture and visual appeal.
- Cover the cheese ball with 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. Arrange on a serving platter with assorted crackers.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Tips
- Soften the Cream Cheese: For the best texture, ensure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This makes it easier to blend with the other ingredients.
- Chop Uniformly: When chopping the dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions, aim for uniform pieces. This ensures an even distribution of flavors throughout the cheese ball.
- Experiment with Coatings: For added flavor and visual appeal, try rolling your cheese ball in additional chopped pecans or even crushed herbs before refrigerating.
- Chill for Flavor: Allow the cheese ball to chill for at least an hour before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Serve at the Right Temperature: Take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to let it soften slightly. This enhances the creamy texture and makes it easier to spread on crackers.
- Storage Tips: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They make for a delicious snack later!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 130kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
