Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Elevate your appetizer game with this Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball recipe! Creamy, tangy cheddar meets the sweet tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful blend of flavors that's perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Serve it with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies for a festive and delicious treat that will impress your guests.
This cheese ball is not just a delight for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. With its vibrant colors and creamy texture, it's a showstopper that adds a touch of elegance to your appetizer table.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball is a versatile addition to any gathering. Whether it's a formal holiday party, an informal game night, or a casual family get-together, this appetizer fits right in. Its combination of creamy cheddar and sweet-tart cranberries creates a flavor profile that pleases a variety of palates, making it an ideal dish to serve to friends and family.
Not only is it delicious, but it also adds a festive touch to your appetizer spread. The vibrant colors of the cranberries and green onions mixed with the rich cheese create an appealing visual that enhances your table decor. This cheese ball is sure to be the centerpiece of your appetizer table, drawing your guests in with both its beauty and flavor.
Easy Preparation
One of the best aspects of this Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball is how easy it is to make. With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time. The ingredients are straightforward and require minimal prep, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your gathering.
Even if you're not an experienced cook, you'll find this recipe approachable. The process is forgiving, and the ingredients mix easily to form a delicious ball of flavor. Plus, it can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, making it a perfect make-ahead appetizer that saves you stress on the day of your event.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving this Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball, the possibilities are endless. Pair it with an assortment of crackers for a crunchy contrast that complements the creaminess of the cheese. You can also include fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, or bell peppers for a healthier option that adds a nice crunch.
For an elevated touch, consider serving this cheese ball with a selection of artisanal breads or crostini. The flavors of the cheese ball can shine atop a toasted slice of baguette, creating a gourmet appetizer that your guests will rave about. Don't forget to have some cheese spread or dips on the side for an added layer of flavor.
Ingredients
Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or fresh veggies for serving
Mix these ingredients to create a flavorful cheese ball that is sure to impress!
Instructions
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the Cheese Ball
Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to form it into a ball. If desired, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Coat the Cheese Ball
Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped walnuts until it is completely coated.
Serve
Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and serve with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies. Enjoy!
This cheese ball can be made ahead of time and chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball, you can store it in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap. It will stay fresh for up to a week, maintaining its delicious flavors and creamy texture. Just be sure to seal it tightly to prevent it from absorbing any surrounding odors in the fridge.
Before serving any leftovers, give the cheese ball a quick check. If it looks firm and still smells good, it should be perfectly fine to enjoy. Serve it chilled or allow it to come to room temperature for a creamier texture that enhances its flavor.
Nutritional Benefits
While this Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball is undeniably a treat, it also offers some nutritional benefits. The inclusion of dried cranberries adds a touch of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These berries are known for their health-promoting properties, including supporting urinary tract health and providing cardiovascular benefits.
Additionally, the walnuts contribute healthy fats and protein to this dish. Nuts like walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. This cheese ball allows you to indulge in a flavorful appetizer while also gaining some health benefits from its wholesome ingredients.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cheese ball in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day ahead and refrigerate it until you're ready to serve.
→ What can I serve with it?
Crackers, fresh vegetables, or even sliced apples pair wonderfully with this cheese ball.
Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball
Elevate your appetizer game with this Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball recipe! Creamy, tangy cheddar meets the sweet tartness of cranberries, creating a delightful blend of flavors that's perfect for holiday gatherings or casual get-togethers. Serve it with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies for a festive and delicious treat that will impress your guests.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Cheddar Cranberry Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or fresh veggies for serving
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Once the mixture is combined, use your hands to form it into a ball. If desired, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in the finely chopped walnuts until it is completely coated.
Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and serve with your favorite crackers or fresh veggies. Enjoy!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 4g