Description
A delightful and easy cheese ball snack perfect for parties that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and half portions of pecans, cranberries, parsley, and chives. Combine thoroughly.
- Moisten your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking, then gather the mixture and shape it into a firm ball.
- On a clean surface, combine the remaining pecans, cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds, mixing evenly.
- Roll the cheese ball over the coating mixture, pressing gently with your hands to ensure an even and complete covering.
- Wrap the coated cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up.
- Unwrap and transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Surround with an assortment of crackers and garnish with rosemary sprigs for a festive touch.
- Invite guests to serve themselves and enjoy.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Experiment with different nuts and dried fruits for coating based on personal preference.
- This cheese ball can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 0.6 grams
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 10 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 0.5 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 mg