#Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls: A Festive Treat for your Gatherings
No festive gathering is complete without a platter of delightful appetizers. Elevate your appetizer game and impress your guests with the sweet and savory goodness of Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls. A perfect snack-time indulgence that also doubles up as an impressive holiday treat.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
##Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls are perfect for many occasions. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for the perfect snack to pair with your wine, or need some edible gift ideas, this recipe is a delightful choice. These cheese balls are easy to make, yet their wonderful flavor combination gives the impression of a gourmet treat.
##How To Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
This recipe is fairly easy to make and takes very little preparation time. Here is a step-by-step guide.
##
Ingredients:
– 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
– 1/4 cup dried cranberries (chopped)
– 1/4 cup pecans (finely chopped)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives (chopped) optional
– Crackers or sliced baguette for serving
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Directions:
1. Mix all the ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper until you get a well-blended mixture.
2. Shape the cheese balls: Divide the mixture into 8 equal portions and form each portion into a ball shape.
3. Coat the cheese balls: Combine the cranberries, pecans, and chives in a separate dish. Roll the cheese balls into the mix until they’re thoroughly coated.
4. Let them chill: Place the coated cheese balls in the refrigerator. They should chill for at least 1 hour.
5. Serve: You can serve the cheese balls on a platter with your choice of baguettes or crackers.
##How To Serve Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
You can serve these cheese balls on a cheese board alongside grapes, olives, and a variety of your favorite baguettes or crackers, or on a plain platter for simplicity.
##How To Store Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
Wrap any leftovers in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep up to one week.
##Tips To Make Cranberry Pecan Cheese Balls
– Before mixing the ingredients, ensure that your cream cheese is softened.
– For a bolder and crunchier taste, toast the pecans before using them.
– Adjust the amount of cranberries based on your preference for sweetness.
##Variation
For a gluten-free option, simply replace the crackers with fresh veggies like cucumber slices or celery sticks.
##FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as blue cheese or gouda.
2. Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, these cheese balls can be made one day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator before serving.
3. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
Dried cranberries are recommended because they have a concentrated flavor and sweetness but if you want to use fresh cranberries, you can try roasting them to draw out their natural juices and sweetness.