Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: Your Holiday's New Best Mate?

Fancy something easy, cheesy, and festive? Honestly, who doesn't? This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the answer. It’s got that classic cheese and nuts combo with a sweet and tangy twist.

You know, the kind of thing that disappears at parties faster than you can say "mince pie"!

What’s the story?

This recipe feels like a proper old friend, doesn't it? Holiday cheese ball recipe has been around for ages. I think grandmas everywhere have been making these for decades, spreading a bit of festive cheer.

The flavour combination is the magic here, the creamy cheese blends, and the crunchy nuts play, creating a sweet cream cheese balls recipe that's just too good to resist,

It’s dead easy to make, perfect if you’re a bit strapped for time. We’re talking 20 minutes prep and a couple of hours in the fridge.

It makes enough for a good crowd, around 10-12 people.

Why you'll love this cheese ball

This easy cheese ball recipe is a proper winner because it's so versatile. Cream cheese is rich in protein and calcium! Hello healthyish Appetizers Desserts For Party ! This Festive cheese ball appetizer is perfect for your holiday bash, a quiet night in, or even just because you fancy something a bit special.

What makes it mega special? The Cranberry Pecan pairing, giving the cranberry cream cheese ball that perfect balance of flavours!

Let's gather the ingredients, shall we? Appetizers with cranberries never looked so tempting!

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's dive into what you'll need for this epic Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball. Trust me, it's so easy . Even I, who sometimes sets fire to toast, can nail this.

It’s going to be the star Appetizers Desserts For Party !

Main Ingredients

Here's the lowdown on the key players. I've made this Sweet Cream Cheese Balls Recipe a thousand times.

• Cream cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , softened. Good cream cheese is smooth and creamy. Like, really creamy.
• Goat cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , softened. Opt for a mild goat cheese. Strong goat cheese can overpower everything.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 1 cup (115g) , shredded. A good cheddar is well aged.
• Milk: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Any kind works.
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon . Don't skip this, it adds depth.
• Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Onion powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
• Dried cranberries: 1/2 cup (50g) , chopped. I love the tangy sweetness, but use any Appetizers With Cranberries .
• Pecan halves: 1 cup (100g) , toasted and chopped. Toasting is key, it brings out the flavour of the Cheese And Nuts !

Seasoning Notes

Seasoning makes all the difference, right? Honestly, the combo of Worcestershire, garlic, and onion powder is magical.

Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick . Or some fresh chopped chives for an herbaceous twist.

If you don't have Worcestershire, a splash of soy sauce works in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

No fancy gadgets needed for this Easy cheese ball recipe .

• Mixing bowls.
• Electric mixer (handheld or stand). A fork will also do the trick.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Plastic wrap.
• Serving platter.

Seriously, that's it. This Holiday cheese ball recipe is almost too easy. This Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball will be devoured! This Christmas cheese ball is quick and easy to make.

It's a total winner Festive cheese ball appetizer !

I like to make-ahead cheese ball . It tastes even better the next day after being in the fridge!

Getting Cheesy: My Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Adventure

Honestly, who doesn't love a good festive cheese ball appetizer ? This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball recipe is like a warm hug on a cold day.

It's one of those classic Appetizers With Cranberries that always vanishes at parties. And the best bit? It's dead easy!

Prep Like a Pro!

First things first, get your mise en place sorted. This just means having everything ready to go. It seriously cuts down on stress, you know? Soften your cream cheese and goat cheese.

Chop those pecans and cranberries. Boom! You are winning at life. Pro tip: Toasting the pecans brings out their nutty flavour.

Do it.

Cheese Ball Time: step-by-step!

Right, let's get rolling literally!

1. Mix the cheeses. Beat the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, and cheddar until super smooth.
2. Add the good stuff. Stir in milk, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well combined .
3. Shape that ball. Plop the mixture onto some plastic wrap and form a ball. Wrap it tight.
4. Chill out. Stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours . Trust me, don't skip this step.
5. Coat it. Mix cranberries and pecans in a bowl. Roll the chilled cheese ball in this mix. Press gently.
6. Serve and devour. Pop it on a platter with crackers. Enjoy this Easy cheese ball recipe .

Top Tips for Sweet Cream Cheese Balls Recipe

• Soft cheeses are key. Make sure that Cheese And Nuts are perfect before you start.
• Don't skip the chilling! This is important to make a nice make-ahead cheese ball .
• Try different coatings! Get adventurous with other Appetizers Desserts For Party .
• Got leftovers? Wrap it up well. It keeps for a few days.

This Holiday cheese ball recipe is a winner. It's the perfect Christmas cheese ball . I'm pretty sure that is a Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball that's gone down a storm every time.

So there you have it, you're sorted, and your cheese ball is perfect.

Recipe Notes for a Perfect Cheese Ball

Alright, let's talk shop about making this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball the star of your party. Honestly, it's so easy, it's almost embarrassing.

But everyone loves it. I made one for Aunt Marge, the Christmas cheese ball became her favourite festive cheese ball appetizer immediately.

She usually just like Cheese And Nuts , but this recipe was really the one she loved.

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, presentation is key. For plating ideas, ditch the basic platter. Think rustic! How about a wooden board surrounded by crackers? Use a nice knife for spreading.

It’s a sweet cream cheese balls recipe but needs to have style.

As for sides, keep it simple. Water crackers are a must. Also, think about toasted baguette slices. A crisp apple or pear adds a nice touch too.

It makes Appetizers Desserts For Party a simple one to follow. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc goes down great with it!

Storage Secrets

This make-ahead cheese ball is perfect for stress free entertaining. Refrigerate for up to three days. Always wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.

Freezing isn't ideal, as the texture might change. But, hey, it's cheese, so go for it if you must! Reheat? Nah. Just let it come to room temperature before serving.

Mixing it Up

Want to be adventurous? For a dietary adaptation, try using dairy-free cream cheese. It tastes pretty darn good!

Swap cranberries for dried cherries in summer. Or add some orange zest for extra flavour! It's a Cranberry Cream Cheese Ball but can be whatever you want.

Nutrition Nuggets

Okay, let's be real. This is not health food. But hey, it's the holidays! It's got protein from the cheese and healthy fats from the pecans.

Also, cranberries are packed with antioxidants, apparently. So, enjoy your guilt free Appetizers With Cranberries !

Honestly, whipping up this easy cheese ball recipe is so rewarding. It's the perfect way to impress your friends and family without slaving away in the kitchen.

Now go on, give it a go and knock their socks off with this festive cheese ball appetizer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare it 1-2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This lets the flavours meld together beautifully, like a fine wine needing to breathe.

What's the best way to soften cream cheese for this cheese ball recipe?

Softening the cream cheese properly is key to a smooth cheese ball. The easiest method is to leave the cream cheese at room temperature for about an hour or two, depending on how warm your kitchen is.

If you're in a hurry, you can microwave it in 15-second intervals, checking it each time, to avoid melting it into a cheesy soup!

I don't have goat cheese. Can I substitute something else in the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball?

Of course! If you're not a fan of goat cheese, or just don't have any on hand, you can easily substitute it with an equal amount (4 ounces) of cream cheese. This will still give you a creamy base. You could also use mascarpone cheese for a similar tangy flavour, but it will be slightly richer.

How long will the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball should last for up to a week in the refrigerator. Make sure it's tightly wrapped in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any fridge odours.

If you notice any discolouration or off smells, it's best to err on the side of caution and toss it, better safe than sorry!

Can I freeze the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball?

While you can freeze a Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, it's not highly recommended. Freezing can sometimes alter the texture of the cheese, making it a bit grainy when thawed. If you must freeze it, wrap it very tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then in a freezer bag.

Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, and be aware that the texture might not be quite as smooth as the freshly made version.

I'm allergic to pecans. What's a good alternative for the topping?

No worries, nut allergies happen! You can easily swap out the pecans for another crunchy topping. Walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds would work well. For a completely nut-free option, consider using toasted pepitas (pumpkin seeds), pretzel pieces, or even crumbled bacon bits for a savoury twist.

Just ensure they are chopped small enough to adhere nicely.