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Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Irresistibly Creamy Festive Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Discover the festive flavors of the creamy Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball, a delightful holiday appetizer that's easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Base
  • 8 oz Goat Cheese Substitute with cream cheese for a milder flavor.
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese Can be used to replace goat cheese in equal amounts.
  • 1 tbsp Honey Adds natural sweetness to balance flavors perfectly.
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Zest Prefer fresh zest for robust flavor.
For the Mix-ins
  • 1 cup Chopped Cranberries Substitute with dried cherries or apricots for a different fruity flair.
  • 1 cup Chopped Pecans Feel free to swap for walnuts or almonds for variety.
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Optional, but highly recommended for garnish.

Equipment

  • mixing bowls
  • hand mixer
  • Cookie scoop
  • Serving tray
  • Plastic wrap
  • Foil

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley. Stir well to ensure that all the ingredients are evenly mixed. Set this aside.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the creamy goat cheese, cream cheese, honey, and freshly grated lemon zest. Blend until smooth and creamy, with no lumps visible, about 2-3 minutes.
  3. Using a 1-inch cookie scoop, portion out the cheese mixture and roll each portion into smooth balls. Lay the rolled cheese balls on a clean plate or parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Gently roll each cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan-parsley mixture, ensuring even coverage for a beautiful exterior.
  5. Transfer the coated cheese balls onto a serving tray or lined baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Chill for at least one hour.
  6. Before serving, insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball for easy enjoyment.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cheese ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 100mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 100mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Feel free to switch up the nuts or fruits based on your preference. Fresh ingredients will elevate the flavors significantly.

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