Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball
Highlighted under: Celebratory Feast Recipes
This delightful Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is the perfect festive appetizer for your next gathering. Creamy, tangy, and studded with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh fruits, and even bread. Easy to make and beautifully presented, this cheese ball will be a hit at holiday parties, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Every holiday season, an array of delectable appetizers graces our tables. This Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball stands out with its vibrant colors and delicious flavors. The combination of creamy cheese with the sweetness of cranberries and the crunch of pecans creates a memorable experience. Serve it at your next gathering, and watch it disappear!
Perfect for Any Occasion
The Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is a versatile appetizer that shines at various events. Whether it's a holiday gathering, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this cheese ball is sure to impress. Its beautiful presentation and vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate. Pair it with a selection of crackers, fresh fruits, or crusty bread to create a stunning cheese board that caters to all tastes.
Furthermore, this appetizer is a fantastic way to kick off your menu. Its creamy texture and the perfect balance of tanginess from the cranberries and crunch from the pecans make it an unforgettable starter. Guests will be drawn to its delightful flavor, and it’s bound to spark conversations and compliments, ensuring that your event leaves a lasting impression.
Also, this cheese ball can be made ahead of time, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. By preparing it in advance, you can focus on other parts of your gathering without compromising on deliciousness.
Customization Options
One of the best features of the Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is how easily it can be customized to suit your preferences. If you want to give it a spicy kick, consider adding a touch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mixture. For those who enjoy a touch of sweetness, a drizzle of honey can enhance the flavor while complementing the tangy cream cheese and tart cranberries.
You can also experiment with different types of nuts or dried fruits. Swap the pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts for a unique twist. Similarly, use dried cherries or apricots instead of cranberries to create a whole new flavor profile that's just as delightful.
These customization options allow you to personalize the dish, making it not just a recipe but a canvas for your culinary creativity. Adjust the ingredients to reflect seasonal flavors or personal tastes, and share your unique version with friends and family.
Serving Suggestions
To maximize your cheese ball's appeal, consider creating a grazing table around it. Include a variety of crackers, baguette slices, and even vegetable sticks for a properly balanced platter. Guests will appreciate the assortment and can have fun mixing and matching different flavors and textures with the cheese ball.
For an added layer of fun and interaction, serve the cheese ball with toothpicks for easy self-serving. This way, guests can enjoy bites without worrying about utensils, making it perfect for a laid-back atmosphere. Plus, it encourages mingling as everyone gathers around for a taste.
Don't forget to complement your cheese ball with beverages! A light, crisp white wine or a sparkling cider pairs beautifully with its rich, creamy flavors, elevating the entire experience.
Ingredients
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Make sure to allow the cream cheese to soften before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.
Instructions
Prepare the Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the Cheese Ball
Once the mixture is thoroughly blended, shape it into a ball with your hands and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
Serve and Enjoy
After chilling, remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped pecans or cranberries if desired. Serve with crackers, bread, or fruits.
Enjoy your festive appetizer!
Storage Tips
To store leftover Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It can last in the fridge for up to a week, ensuring that you can enjoy the delicious flavors even days later. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, feel free to make it 1-2 days in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
If you're considering longer-term storage, you can freeze the cheese ball before it has a chance to firm up. Just ensure it's wrapped securely in plastic wrap and stored in an airtight container. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and serve it as you typically would.
Nutritional Information
The Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is not only delicious but also provides some nutritional benefits. Cream cheese offers a source of protein and calcium, while pecans are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. The cranberries add a boost of vitamins, as well as antioxidants that are great for overall health.
Although this dish is a decadent treat, enjoying it in moderation as part of a balanced diet can fit into most dietary lifestyles. Opt for whole grain crackers or fresh vegetables for serving to enhance the nutritional value, making this appetizer both satisfying and guilt-free.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What can I serve with the cheese ball?
It pairs well with various crackers, sliced vegetables, fresh fruits, and bread.
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball
This delightful Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball is the perfect festive appetizer for your next gathering. Creamy, tangy, and studded with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, fresh fruits, and even bread. Easy to make and beautifully presented, this cheese ball will be a hit at holiday parties, potlucks, and family celebrations.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Celebratory Feast Recipes
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Cranberry Pecan Cream Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Once the mixture is thoroughly blended, shape it into a ball with your hands and wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to firm up.
After chilling, remove from the refrigerator, unwrap, and place on a serving platter. Garnish with additional chopped pecans or cranberries if desired. Serve with crackers, bread, or fruits.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 120 per serving
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 7g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 3g