Cranberry & pecan cheese balls are a delightful appetizer that combines creamy and tangy flavors with the crunch of nuts, making them a hit at any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just looking for a tasty snack, these cheese balls are easy to make and offer a wonderful balance of taste and texture.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: 180
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
Why Make This Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Balls
These cranberry and pecan cheese balls are a fantastic combination of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. The cream cheese and cheddar provide a rich and creamy base, while the dried cranberries add a touch of sweetness that complements the savory pecans perfectly. They make for an impressive dish that’s easy to prepare, and their bite-sized nature is perfect for parties or gatherings. Plus, you can make them ahead of time and simply chill them until you’re ready to serve!
How to Make Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Balls
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or bread for serving
Directions:
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Step 1: Preparation
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. This creamy base is the foundation of your cheese balls.
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Step 2: Mixing
Stir in the chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed. Make sure all the ingredients are evenly distributed for the best flavor in every bite.
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Step 3: Forming
Form the mixture into small balls or logs, depending on your preference. Aim for a nice bite-sized shape that’s easy to pick up with crackers.
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Step 4: Finishing
Roll the cheese balls in additional chopped pecans if desired, giving them an extra crunch on the outside. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
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Step 5: Serving
Serve with crackers or bread and watch them disappear!
How to Serve Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Balls
These cheese balls are versatile and can be served at various occasions. Arrange them on a beautiful platter with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh vegetables for added color and crunch. They are perfect for holiday parties, game day, or even as a fancy snack during movie night!
How to Store Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Balls
Store any leftover cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you want to prepare them ahead of time, you can roll them into balls and store them uncoated, then roll in the pecans just before serving.
Expert Tips for Perfect Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Balls
- Make sure your cream cheese is well-softened to ensure a smooth mixture.
- Feel free to swap the pecans with walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different nut flavor.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or chives instead of parsley for a unique flavor twist.
Delicious Variations
- Savory Herb Cheese Balls: Add chopped fresh herbs such as dill or chives for a more savory taste.
- Sweet & Spicy: Mix in a bit of honey or maple syrup for sweetness, and add cayenne for spiciness.
- Fruit & Nut Delight: Substitute dried cranberries with chopped apples or pears, and use walnuts instead of pecans.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them 1-2 days in advance. Just chill them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. -
How long do they last in the fridge?
They can last up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. -
Can I freeze these cheese balls?
While you can freeze them, the texture might change slightly upon thawing. Roll them in pecans after thawing to freshen them up. -
Are there any substitutes for cream cheese?
You may use mascarpone cheese or a vegan cream cheese alternative for a different flavor or dietary needs. -
What can I serve with these cheese balls?
They pair wonderfully with an array of crackers, bread slices, or fresh veggie sticks.
Conclusion
Cranberry and pecan cheese balls are easy to make, delicious, and perfect for any gathering. Their creamy texture, combined with the crunch of pecans and the sweetness of cranberries, creates an irresistible appetizer that everyone will love. So why not give this recipe a try? You’ll impress your guests and create a delightful addition to your next party spread! Enjoy!
Print
Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Balls
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and tangy cheese balls combined with the crunch of pecans and sweetness of cranberries, perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Stir in the chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well mixed.
- Form the mixture into small balls or logs.
- Roll the cheese balls in additional chopped pecans if desired and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
Ensure cream cheese is well-softened for a smooth mixture. Can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
