Description
There’s something undeniably comforting about gathering friends and family around a platter of bite-sized treats. Cranberry Pecan Delight Cheese Balls are perfect for festive occasions, holiday gatherings, or cozy weekend get-togethers. With their creamy texture, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans, they’re as visually appealing as they are flavorful. Inspired by the tradition of preparing cheese-based appetizers for special occasions, this recipe combines classic flavors with a modern twist. Whether served at a party or enjoyed as a snack, these cheese balls are sure to impress and quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
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16 oz cream cheese, softened
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8 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
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½ cup chopped pecans, plus extra for rolling
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2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Mix in the chopped cranberries, ½ cup chopped pecans, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly distributed.
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Using your hands, form the mixture into small balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter. For uniform size, consider using a small cookie scoop.
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Place the extra chopped pecans on a shallow plate. Roll each cheese ball in the pecans until fully coated, pressing gently so the nuts adhere.
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Arrange the cheese balls on a plate or baking sheet, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
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Arrange the cheese balls on a serving platter and pair them with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable slices. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
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Use room temperature cream cheese and cheddar for easier mixing.
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Chilling overnight enhances flavor and texture.
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Try alternative nuts like walnuts or almonds for variety.
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Perfect for make-ahead entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes