Festive Cranberry Pecan Delight Cheese Ball Recipe for Parties

Gathering for game day or hosting a festive holiday party demands an irresistible appetizer that wows every cheese lover with this cranberry pecan delight cheese ball.

Soft cream cheese blends seamlessly with sharp cheddar, creating a creamy canvas for tangy dried cranberries and crunchy toasted pecans.

The combination of sweet and savory flavors promises to spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of richness and texture that keeps guests coming back for more.

This make-ahead appetizer saves you precious prep time and looks elegant on any serving platter.

Guests will marvel at your culinary skills and beg for the recipe after just one taste.

Serve with crackers or fresh vegetable sticks for a crowd-pleasing starter that steals the show.

Supplies for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining all ingredients smoothly.
• Cheese grater: Perfect for grating Parmesan cheese quickly and evenly.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient proportions.
• Spatula or wooden spoon: Helps mix ingredients thoroughly and scrape sides of bowl.
• Serving plate: Decorative dish to present the cheese ball attractively.
• Plastic wrap or lid: Covers cheese ball during chilling process.

How to Craft Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Flavor Fusion

Blend softened cream cheese with a delightful mix of sweet and crunchy ingredients. The combination creates a magical harmony of textures and tastes that will surprise your taste buds.

• Artistic Shaping

Craft the mixture into a smooth, round masterpiece using your hands. The goal is a perfectly rounded sphere that looks as amazing as it tastes.

• Flavor Development

Let the cheese ball rest in the refrigerator, allowing the ingredients to get to know each other. This waiting period transforms the simple ingredients into a complex, mouthwatering delicacy.

• Presentation Magic

Bring the cheese ball to room temperature just before serving. Arrange it on a beautiful platter surrounded by crisp crackers or rustic bread slices, creating an inviting spread that will draw people together.

Twist the Taste: Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the mixture, releasing their rich, nutty essence and deepening the overall taste profile.
• Roll the finished cheese ball in additional chopped pecans, finely minced dried cranberries, or a blend of herbs like fresh thyme or rosemary to create a stunning exterior and extra layer of flavor.
• Prepare the cheese ball up to 3 days in advance, storing it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator to allow flavors to develop and simplify party preparation.
• Swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative like cashew-based cheese spread to accommodate lactose-intolerant guests or create a vegan-friendly version of this delightful appetizer.

Ways to Present Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Elevate Party Platter: Arrange the cheese ball as a centerpiece surrounded by an assortment of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh apple wedges for a stunning appetizer display.
• Create Festive Dipping Station: Offer variety by placing different types of crackers like water crackers, wheat thins, and multigrain options next to the cheese ball to allow guests to choose their favorite accompaniment.
• Design Rustic Presentation: Serve on a wooden cutting board garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs and whole pecans to enhance the visual appeal and add a touch of seasonal charm to your appetizer spread.
• Pair with Wine Selections: Complement the cheese ball's sweet and nutty flavors by serving alongside light white wines like Riesling or Pinot Grigio, which will beautifully balance the rich cream cheese and cranberry notes.

Store Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Properly

• Refrigerate Wisely: Keep your cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Properly sealed, it can stay delicious in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Want to prepare ahead? This cheese ball freezes beautifully for up to 3 weeks. Wrap it carefully in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag to prevent freezer burn.
• Prep-Ahead Party Trick: Make the cheese ball 1-2 days before your event to allow flavors to develop and reduce last-minute cooking stress. Simply remove from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before serving to soften slightly.
• Room Temperature Magic: Before serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This slight warming enhances the creamy texture and allows the flavors to become more pronounced, making it even more irresistible for guests.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 315 kcal

Servings: 9

Ingredients for Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

• Cream Cheese: The smooth, velvety foundation that binds all ingredients together, creating a luxurious texture and rich flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, tangy kick that elevates the overall taste and brings depth to the cheese ball.

• Pecans: Crunchy and buttery nuts that provide a delightful textural contrast and earthy undertone to the creamy mixture.
• Dried Cranberries: Bursting with sweet-tart flavor, these ruby-red gems add a vibrant pop of color and bright taste.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a gentle sweetness that complements the tangy cheeses.

• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces a warm, comforting spice that weaves a subtle complexity through the entire cheese ball, creating an intriguing flavor dimension.

Velvety Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Holiday gatherings sparkle with this cranberry pecan delight cheese ball, blending creamy cream cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Guests will savor each festive bite of this elegant appetizer that brings warmth and flavor to winter celebrations.

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Ingredients

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• 1 8-oz (226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Amalgamate softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, Parmesan cheese, sugar, and ground cinnamon in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a robust flavor foundation.
2. Mixing: Employ a hand mixer or robust spatula to thoroughly incorporate all ingredients, ensuring a seamless, uniform blend that promises consistent taste in every bite.
3. Shaping: Utilize clean hands to gently mold the mixture into a compact, symmetrical sphere, applying gentle pressure to maintain structural integrity without compromising the delicate texture.
4. Chilling: Encase the formed cheese ball in plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container, then refrigerate for 2-8 hours to allow flavors to meld and consistency to solidify.
5. Serving: Extract the cheese ball from the refrigerator 15 minutes before presentation, allowing it to soften slightly, then artfully arrange on a decorative platter accompanied by an array of crackers, toasted baguette slices, or rustic bread for an elegant appetizer experience.

Notes

• Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow ingredients to meld together and develop a richer, more complex taste.
• Room Temperature Trick: Let the cheese ball sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect spreadable consistency and enhance its creamy texture.
• Mixing Mastery: Use a hand mixer or sturdy spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed, preventing clumping and creating a smooth, uniform mixture.
• Shaping Technique: Use cool, clean hands to gently mold the cheese ball, maintaining a compact shape that holds together without cracking or falling apart.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 315
• Sugar: 19 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg