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Creamy Cheese Ball Recipe with Herbs Pecans Cranberries Easy Party Snack

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A creamy, rich cheese ball blended with fresh herbs, toasted pecans, and tart cranberries, perfect for parties and gatherings. This easy-to-make appetizer offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup (75 g) pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1/2 cup (75 g) dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese by letting it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until soft but not runny.
  2. Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden. Let cool, then chop coarsely with a knife or pulse briefly in a food processor.
  3. Roughly chop dried cranberries into smaller pieces.
  4. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar. Add chopped parsley, chives, thyme leaves, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until well blended but still fluffy.
  5. If desired, stir in honey for a subtle sweetness.
  6. Form the cheese mixture into a tight ball using hands or a spatula. Place on plastic wrap or parchment paper.
  7. Spread toasted pecans and chopped cranberries on a flat surface or plate. Roll the cheese ball over the mixture until evenly coated on all sides, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight to firm up and meld flavors.
  9. Before serving, bring the cheese ball out about 15 minutes early to soften slightly. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies.

Notes

Do not microwave cream cheese to soften; let it soften naturally at room temperature for best texture. Toast pecans carefully to avoid burning. Chill the cheese ball for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and firmness. If too soft to roll, chill an additional 20 minutes. Variations include swapping pecans for walnuts or almonds, using different herbs, or making vegan by substituting dairy ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, creamy cheese ball, party snack, appetizer, herbs, pecans, cranberries, holiday snack, easy cheese ball

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-cheese-ball-recipe-with-herbs-pecans-cranberries-easy-party-snack/