Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
A festive cheese ball that combines creamy cheeses, pecans, and dried cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 150 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Additional chopped pecans and cranberries for decoration
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and crumbled blue cheese. Beat or stir until the cheeses are well combined, smooth, and evenly incorporated.
- Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and roughly shape it into a mound.
- Use your hands (over the plastic wrap) to mold the cheese into a cone or tree shape, pressing firmly to compact it.
- Wrap the shaped cheese tree tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until very firm.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese tree and place it on a plate or tray. Press additional chopped pecans and cranberries all over the outside of the tree to create a decorative, textured coating.
- Transfer the cheese ball tree carefully to your serving platter. Tuck fresh parsley sprigs around the base and at the top to resemble greenery.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh cut vegetables.
Notes
For best results, soften cream cheese before mixing. This cheese ball can be made a week ahead and stored in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Find it online: https://lunarecipez.com/christmas-cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball/