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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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