Description
Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball blends creamy cream cheese with tangy cranberries and crunchy pecans for a delightful holiday appetizer. Elegant party guests will adore this quick, simple spread that brings sophisticated flavor to winter gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sweet Ingredient:
- 1/4 cup sugar
Instructions
- Thoroughly blend softened cream cheese with finely chopped dried cranberries, toasted pecans, grated Parmesan, a hint of sugar, and warm cinnamon in a spacious mixing vessel until the ingredients meld seamlessly.
- Carefully mold the fragrant mixture into a compact, symmetrical sphere using clean hands or a flexible spatula, ensuring an even texture and smooth exterior.
- Encase the delicate cheese formation in transparent plastic wrap, securing tightly to preserve its elegant shape and prevent moisture absorption.
- Refrigerate the wrapped delicacy for a minimum of two hours, allowing flavors to harmonize and the texture to firm and develop a rich, cohesive character.
- Before serving, unwrap the chilled cheese ball and enhance its presentation by gently rolling the surface in additional chopped pecans or dusting with a light veil of powdered sugar for a festive, elegant appearance.
- Present the aromatic cheese creation alongside crisp crackers, rustic bread slices, or thinly cut apple wedges, inviting guests to indulge in this sophisticated holiday appetizer.
Notes
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for smooth blending and easier mixing.
- Toast pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add extra crunch to the cheese ball.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and replace sugar with a natural sweetener like stevia.
- Customize the cheese ball by experimenting with different herbs like rosemary or thyme for added depth of flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: None
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg