Description
A festive, no-bake appetizer with a creamy, savory blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, cranberries, pecans, and green onions. A beautiful and delicious centerpiece for any holiday platter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, sliced, divided
- 5 tbsp chopped pecans, divided
- 5 tbsp dried cranberries, divided
- Assorted crackers, for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese and cheddar until smooth.
- Fold in 2 sliced green onions, 3 tbsp pecans, and 3 tbsp cranberries until evenly distributed.
- Scrape mixture onto plastic wrap and form into a ball. Twist wrap tightly to secure. Chill for at least 1-2 hours until firm.
- On a plate, combine the remaining 2 sliced green onions, 2 tbsp pecans, and 2 tbsp cranberries.
- Unwrap the firm cheese ball and roll it in the coating mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving with crackers.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth, lump-free texture.
Shred your own cheddar for a creamier result.
Do not skip chilling; it helps the ball hold its shape.
Toast pecans in a dry skillet for deeper, nuttier flavor.
Can be made up to 3 days in advance; coat just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook / Assemble
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 recipe
- Calories: 185
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cream cheese ball recipe, cranberry pecan cheese ball, festive party dip