This delightful cheese ball combines cream cheese, sharp white cheddar, dried cranberries, and toasted pecans for a perfect appetizer.
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Total Time2 hourshrs
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Easy
Servings: 8servings
Ingredients
Cheese Base
8ouncescream cheese, softenedMake sure it's at room temperature.
2cupssharp white cheddar, shreddedFreshly shredded is preferred.
Add-ins
1cupCraisins (dried cranberries)
½cupgreen onions, thinly sliced
¼cupfresh parsley, chopped
1 ⅓cupstoasted pecan halves, choppedToast in a dry skillet for best flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Start by measuring out all your ingredients. Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature to ensure it mixes smoothly with the other components.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded sharp white cheddar cheese. Mix together with an electric mixer on medium speed until well combined and creamy, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add in the Craisins, thinly sliced green onions, and chopped parsley to the cheese mixture. Mix again until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 4: Using your clean hands, gather the mixture and form a ball. You can make it as big or small as you prefer.
Step 5: Spread the chopped toasted pecans onto a clean surface. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans until fully coated, pressing gently to help them stick.
Step 6: Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and cover it with plastic wrap. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 7: Before serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. Serve with crackers, sliced veggies, or your favorite bread.
Equipment
Mixing Bowl
Electric Mixer
Notes
For the best flavor, use high-quality cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese. Don't skip the chilling step!