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–+ servings

Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball (Holiday Appetizer)

Creamy sharp white cheddar and cream cheese rolled in toasted pecans, ruby cranberries, and fresh rosemary. The ultimate 15-minute make-ahead holiday appetizer!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method Nutrition

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz (2 blocks) full-fat brick cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
  • 3/4 cup dried sweetened cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (alcohol-free)
  • 1 tsp wildflower honey
  • 1/4 tsp each kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 box assorted butter crackers, pretzel crisps, and sliced apples for serving

Method
 

  1. Beat Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, honey, salt, and black pepper on medium speed for 2 minutes until light and creamy. Fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined.
  2. Shape & Chill: Transfer cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Bring edges together to form a smooth ball. Twist plastic wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours until firm.
  3. Toast Pecans & Mix Coating: Toast chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until fragrant; let cool completely. On a sheet of parchment paper, toss toasted pecans, chopped dried cranberries, and minced fresh rosemary together.
  4. Coat Cheese Ball: Unwrap chilled cheese sphere and roll firmly through the pecan cranberry mixture, pressing gently so the exterior is fully coated.
  5. Serve: Transfer to a holiday serving board. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving alongside butter crackers, pretzel crisps, and apple slices.

Nutrition

Serving: 2gCalories: 210kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 190mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 110mgIron: 0.6mg

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