Description
A Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a festive, creamy appetizer blended with sweet-tart cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans, perfect for holiday gatherings or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz goat cheese (optional)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted and divided
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (parsley or chives), finely chopped (optional)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese (if using) until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of the chopped toasted pecans, and herbs if using.
- Add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a slightly sweeter cheese ball.
- Shape the mixture into a ball using clean hands or a spatula.
- Roll the cheese ball in the remaining 1/4 cup chopped pecans, pressing gently so they adhere to the surface.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Unwrap and serve with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
Notes
Make ahead for better flavor — chilling helps the ingredients meld.Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if desired.To make vegan, use plant-based cream cheese and maple syrup.Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.Freezable for up to 1 month — thaw in fridge before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 130mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
