What is the best way to store a cheese ball?

The best way to store your Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator. This keeps it fresh for up to five days. When you're ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften.

Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?

Absolutely! Is it convenient to prepare dishes in advance? Yes, it is! You can make the cheese ball up to two days ahead of your event. Just follow the preparation instructions, chill it, and then coat it with pecans and cranberries right before serving. When I first made this cheese ball for a holiday party, I prepared it a day early. It saved me so much time on the day of the gathering, allowing me to focus on other dishes and enjoy time with my family.

Can I customize the ingredients?

Definitely! Is it fun to get creative in the kitchen? Yes, it is! You can swap out nuts or dried fruits based on your preferences. For instance, walnuts or almonds can replace pecans, and dried cherries or apricots can be used instead of cranberries.

What is the nutritional information for this cheese ball?

Each serving of the Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball contains approximately: Calories: 159 Protein: 4 grams Fat: 14 grams (mostly healthy fats) Carbohydrates: 6 grams This makes it a tasty yet relatively guilt-free option for gatherings!

Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Recipe

Description

The Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is a festive and delicious appetizer that combines creamy cheese with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy-to-make dish can be prepared ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy your time with family and friends

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
1 cup (113 g) shredded white cheddar cheese
1 cup (130 g) dried cranberries, roughly chopped, divided
1 cup (109 g) pecans, finely chopped, divided
2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Crackers or toasted bread, for serving

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded white cheddar, ½ cup of dried cranberries, ½ cup of chopped pecans, chives, garlic powder, and salt. Mix until well combined.
Place the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
On a plate, combine the remaining cranberries, pecans, and chives.
Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
Serve with crackers or toasted bread.

Notes

For added flavor, consider mixing in spices like cayenne pepper or cinnamon.
This cheese ball can be made up to two days in advance; just coat it right before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: No-cook
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball, holiday appetizer, cheese ball recipe, festive snacks, party food