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Cranberry Pecan Cheeseball Recipe

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This festive cheeseball combines creamy cheeses, tangy cranberries, and crunchy toasted pecans for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for parties and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz goat cheese, softened (optional)
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional mix-ins: bacon bits, jalapeño (seeded and minced), honey (drizzle)
  • For rolling: 1/2 cup extra chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup extra dried cranberries, chopped
  • Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for color)

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese and goat cheese at room temperature for 20-30 minutes. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant, then chop finely. Chop cranberries and chives.
  2. In a mixing bowl, add cream cheese, goat cheese, and shredded cheddar. Blend with a hand mixer or spatula until smooth and creamy.
  3. Fold in chopped dried cranberries, toasted chopped pecans, chives, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
  4. Scrape mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Gather edges and twist to form a tight ball. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours).
  5. On a plate, combine extra chopped pecans, extra chopped cranberries, and parsley. Remove chilled cheeseball and unwrap.
  6. Gently roll cheeseball in cranberry-pecan mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks and is evenly coated.
  7. For a firmer texture, return cheeseball to fridge for 10-15 minutes (optional).
  8. Serve chilled on a board with crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies. Garnish with extra cranberries and chives if desired.

Notes

For best results, chill the cheeseball for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and the ball to firm up. Toasting pecans enhances their flavor. You can make this recipe ahead and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before serving. For nut-free, substitute sunflower or pumpkin seeds. For vegan, use dairy-free cheeses. Make sure to use block cream cheese and freshly shredded cheddar for optimal texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheeseball, cranberry, pecan, appetizer, holiday, party, festive, cream cheese, easy, vegetarian, gluten-free

Find it online: https://blipflavor.com/cranberry-pecan-cheeseball-recipe-easy-festive-appetizer-for-parties/