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Flavorful Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe Easy Herb Cream Cheese Appetizer

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A quick and easy cheese ball featuring a herby cream cheese base with tart dried cranberries and toasted pecans, perfect for entertaining and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast for 7-8 minutes, stirring once halfway, until fragrant and golden. Let cool, then chop coarsely.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream. Beat with an electric mixer or sturdy spoon until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Add minced garlic, chopped chives, parsley, honey, salt, and pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Mix until evenly incorporated.
  4. Gently fold in the chopped dried cranberries and about half of the toasted pecans, reserving the rest for coating.
  5. Scoop the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a tight ball about 6 inches in diameter. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  6. Remove the cheese ball from the plastic wrap and roll it in the reserved toasted pecans, pressing gently to coat evenly.
  7. Place on a serving plate and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour before mixing to avoid lumps. Toast pecans carefully to bring out flavor and aroma; stirring occasionally prevents burning. Chill cheese ball for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and texture. Add pecan coating fresh before serving to maintain crunch. Dairy-free and nut substitutions are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry, pecan, herb cream cheese, appetizer, easy, quick, party snack, holiday appetizer

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