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–+ servings
Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball

Delicious Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball for Festive Gatherings

This Cranberry and Pecan Cheese Ball combines creamy cheese and crunchy pecans for a festive centerpiece.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 27 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Mixture
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup powdered sugar granulated sugar as alternative
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract almond extract as alternative
  • ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
  • zest of 1 fresh orange lemon zest as alternative
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon nutmeg as alternative
  • 1 pinch salt
For the Coating
  • 1 cup pecans toasted
For Serving
  • as needed crackers or sliced baguette

Equipment

  • Electric mixer
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Plastic Wrap
  • skillet
  • serving platter

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, beat together the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese until smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Add powdered sugar, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, fresh orange zest, and salt to the mixture. Mix until combined, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Gently fold in chopped dried cranberries while ensuring they are evenly distributed. Reserve a few for garnish.
  4. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  5. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until fragrant and lightly browned.
  6. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the toasted pecans, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Place the coated cheese ball on a serving platter and top with reserved cranberries. Serve with crackers or baguette.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese for smoother blending and toast pecans for enhanced flavor. Refrigerate at least 2 hours for better texture.

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