Description
A festive and flavorful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball combining creamy full-fat cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, fresh green onions, garlic, and a touch of brown sugar. Coated with a crunchy mixture of dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions, this cheese ball is perfect for holiday parties or any gathering, served with crackers or fresh veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ¾ cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (divided use)
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅜ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (half of ¾ cup)
- ⅜ cup pecans, finely chopped (half of ¾ cup)
Coating
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh green onions (remaining half)
- ⅜ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped (remaining half)
- ⅜ cup pecans, finely chopped (remaining half)
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese base: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the chopped green onions, brown sugar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, half of the dried cranberries, and half of the chopped pecans. Beat all ingredients until well combined to form a consistent mixture.
- Shape the cheese ball: Use a silicone spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Using greased hands (with butter or oil if sticky), form the cheese mixture into a compact ball.
- Make the coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Spread this mixture evenly on a plate.
- Coat the cheese ball: Roll the formed cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-green onion mixture until it is fully covered, ensuring an even and attractive coating.
- Chill and serve: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 5 days. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes to soften slightly. Serve on a platter with crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Store leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator; it stays fresh up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, freeze wrapped cheese ball in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month.
- Thaw frozen cheese ball overnight in refrigerator before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/24th of cheese ball)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
