Description
This Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a creamy, sweet-savory appetizer that’s perfect for parties, holidays, and casual gatherings. Made with rich cream cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd favorite.
Ingredients
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
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1 cup pecans, finely chopped (for coating)
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2 green onions, finely sliced
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½ tsp garlic powder
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¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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Optional: 1 tsp orange zest (for a festive touch)
Instructions
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In a medium bowl, add the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and optional orange zest.
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Mix gently with a spatula until everything is evenly combined and creamy.
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Using clean hands or plastic wrap, shape the mixture into a smooth ball.
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Spread the chopped pecans on a plate and gently roll the cheese ball until fully coated.
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Refrigerate until firm before serving. Serve with crackers, pretzels, or sliced fruit.
Notes
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For best texture, use full-fat cream cheese.
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Finely chopping the pecans helps them stick better to the cheese ball.
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Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 170 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg