Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
User Reviews
5
Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball
Description
Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball is a chilled cheese appetizer that starts with softened cream cheese blended into shredded sharp white cheddar. Finely chopped dried cranberries are mixed throughout the cheese for subtle sweetness and texture. The mixture is shaped into a ball using plastic wrap and then rolled in chopped pecans, which add crunch and a nutty flavor contrast to the creamy interior. Chilling the cheeseball allows it to firm up and develop flavor, making it ideal for serving alongside crackers as a spread or finger food.
The combination of tangy cream cheese with the sharpness of the cheddar and the sweetness of cranberries creates a balanced flavor profile. The pecan coating adds texture and a roasted note that complements the fruit and cheese mixture. This cheeseball is prepared without baking or cooking, making it easy to assemble ahead of time.
For best results, bring the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing to ensure an even consistency. Refrigerate the cheeseball for at least one hour or up to 24 hours before serving with your choice of crackers.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 2 cups cheddar cheese white, sharp, shredded
- ⅓ cup cranberries finely chopped, dried, sweetened, aka craisins
- ½ cup pecans finely chopped
- crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl mix together cream cheese and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Mix in chopped cranberries.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap out on a flat surface. Scoop the cheese mixture out of the bowl and place it in the middle of the plastic wrap. Wrap the plastic around the cheese mound, then use your hands to shape it into a ball.
- Peel back the plastic wrap, and using small handfuls at a time, press the chopped pecans onto the outer surface of the cheeseball (you don't need to cover the bottom).
- Cover and chill for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours before serving with your favorite crackers. Enjoy!
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to facilitate easier mixing with the shredded cheddar.
- Use pre-chopped pecans to save preparation time or chop your own to control size.
- Roll the cheeseball in pecans right before serving to maintain their crunch and prevent sogginess.
- This cheeseball can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 179 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 179kcal | 9% |
| Carbohydrates | 4g | 1% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 16g | 25% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 41mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 178mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 61mg | 1% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 443IU | 9% |
| Calcium | 157mg | 16% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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