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Easy Cranberry Cheese Ball Recipe – Best Holiday Appetizer

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This easy cranberry cheese ball with candied pecans is a crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and crunchy. With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s perfect for parties and potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup candied pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 1 hour before starting, or microwave in 10-second bursts until softened.
  2. Prep your mix-ins: Chop dried cranberries into small pieces (pea-sized). Thinly slice green onions (white and light green parts only). Chop candied pecans into fine pieces and set aside in a shallow bowl.
  3. Mix the base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, sliced green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down sides as needed.
  4. Taste and adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed (remember flavors will mellow as it chills).
  5. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop the mixture onto the center. Use the plastic wrap to gather and shape into a smooth ball. Wrap tightly and twist to seal.
  6. Chill the cheese ball: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight, until firm.
  7. Roll in the pecans: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and place it in the bowl of chopped candied pecans. Gently press pecans into the surface, rolling to coat evenly. Pat any bare spots.
  8. Final chill (optional but recommended): Return the coated cheese ball to the fridge for another 30 minutes to set the pecans.
  9. Garnish and serve: Transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or pretzel sticks.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare up to 3 days in advance (without pecan coating). Add coating on serving day. For best texture, let cheese ball sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze uncoated cheese ball for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, holiday appetizer, easy cheese ball, cream cheese ball, candied pecan cheese ball

Find it online: https://forkifyfun.com/easy-cranberry-cheese-ball-recipe-best-holiday-appetizer/