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Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

A festive and flavorful cheese ball perfect for holiday gatherings or a simple appetizer. Creamy cream cheese is combined with tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of orange for a delightful taste.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 cup Dried cranberries chopped
  • 1/2 cup Pecans roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Orange zest
  • 1 tablespoon Orange juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper freshly ground, to taste
  • 1/4 cup Green onions chopped, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Parchment Paper
  • Small saucepan (optional)

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Stir in chopped cranberries, pecans, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
  4. Place the cheese ball onto the prepared baking sheet. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
  5. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving (optional).
  6. Serve with crackers, bread, or vegetables.

Notes

For a richer flavor, you can toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the cheese ball. If the cranberries are very dry, you can warm them gently in a small saucepan with a tablespoon of orange juice until softened before adding them to the cheese mixture. Store leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator.