Description
A delightful blend of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, perfect for festive gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme or rosemary, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Mix the cheese: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, honey, and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer or fork to blend until smooth.
- Add the cranberries and pecans: Fold in dried cranberries and chopped pecans until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Form the ball: Once mixed, use your hands to shape the mixture into a ball.
- Chill the cheese ball: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 120 minutes.
- Coat the cheese ball: Before serving, roll the cheese ball in remaining pecans for a delightful outer layer.
- Serve with crackers and fruit: Place your cheese ball on a serving platter, surrounded by an assortment of crackers, apple slices, or pretzel crisps.
Notes
Make sure to let the cream cheese soften before mixing for a creamy finish. Don’t skip the chilling step to allow flavors to meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: cheese ball, appetizer, cranberry, pecan, holiday recipe