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Creamy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball: 15-Min Easy Appetizer

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A rich, creamy, and crunchy appetizer featuring a blend of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, studded with tart dried cranberries and coated in toasted pecans. This crowd-pleasing cheese ball is easy to make ahead and perfect for holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 cup raw pecan halves
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecan halves on a baking sheet and toast for 5-7 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely.
  2. Roughly chop dried cranberries if they are large.
  3. Crush cooled pecans in a food processor or bag with a rolling pin until chopped into small, uneven pieces.
  4. In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper; mix until incorporated.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped cranberries.
  6. Scoop mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a tight ball, and roll in the crushed pecans to coat completely.
  7. Re-wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or overnight) before serving.

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps. Toasting the pecans is essential for flavor and texture. The cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance. Serve with sturdy crackers like water crackers or pretzel crisps.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, cream cheese recipe, party food, gluten-free appetizer

Find it online: https://grubella.com/creamy-cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball-15-min-easy-appetizer/