Description
The Cranberry Pecan Delight Cheese Ball is a creamy, festive appetizer perfect for adding a touch of joy to any holiday gathering. Combining the rich textures and flavors of cream cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans with the savory punch of Parmesan and a hint of sweetness and spice from sugar and cinnamon, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout addition to your festive table.
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-step Directions
1. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that all components are evenly incorporated into the mixture.
2. Shape into a Ball
Using clean hands, shape the mixture into a smooth, round ball. Ensure that the surface is uniform to make the cheese ball visually appealing.
3. Chill
Transfer the cheese ball to a suitable dish and cover it. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling process helps the flavors to meld beautifully and improves the texture of the cheese ball, making it easier to serve.
4. Serve
Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator just before serving. Place it on a decorative plate and surround it with crackers or sliced bread for dipping. This makes it both a tasty and convenient option for guests to enjoy.
Servings & Preparation Time
- Servings: 8-10
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 2 hours or overnight
Tips for Storage
- Refrigerate any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 5 days.
- For longer storage, the cheese ball can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Conclusion
The Cranberry Pecan Delight Cheese Ball is an exquisite choice for a holiday appetizer that promises to enchant your guests with its delightful mix of flavors and festive appearance. Whether you’re hosting a small family gathering or a large holiday party, this cheese ball is an excellent addition that calls for minimal preparation yet delivers maximum flavor and enjoyment. Don’t forget to personalize it with additional chopped pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for that extra special festive touch!
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Cranberry Pecan Delight Cheese Ball
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Description
The Cranberry Pecan Delight Cheese Ball is a creamy, festive appetizer perfect for adding a touch of joy to any holiday gathering. Combining the rich textures and flavors of cream cheese, dried cranberries, and chopped pecans with the savory punch of Parmesan and a hint of sweetness and spice from sugar and cinnamon, this cheese ball is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a standout addition to your festive table.
Ingredients
- 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, grated Parmesan cheese, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix well to ensure that all components are evenly incorporated into the mixture.
- Shape into a Ball: Using clean hands, shape the mixture into a smooth, round ball. Ensure that the surface is uniform to make the cheese ball visually appealing.
- Chill: Transfer the cheese ball to a suitable dish and cover it. Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling process helps the flavors to meld beautifully and improves the texture of the cheese ball, making it easier to serve.
- Serve: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator just before serving. Place it on a decorative plate and surround it with crackers or sliced bread for dipping. This makes it both a tasty and convenient option for guests to enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes