This Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a festive treat! It’s made with creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts, all rolled into a ball and perfect for spreading.
Serving this at gatherings always gets oohs and aahs! I love pairing it with crackers or fresh veggies—just don’t forget to have some extra napkins nearby! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base that gives the ball its creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist!
Dried Cranberries: The sweet and tart flavor comes from cranberries. If you don’t have them, raisins or chopped dried cherries make great substitutes. Just keep in mind the sweetness level!
Pecans: They add a nice crunch! If you’re a fan of other nuts, walnuts or almonds can work well here. If nuts are a no-go, you can leave them out completely.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavors and looks pretty. Feel free to swap it out for chives or cilantro if you prefer a different herb!
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is optional for adding a little sweetness; adjust based on your taste. Agave syrup or even a pinch of sugar can work too!
How Do You Make a Cream Cheese Ball Hold Its Shape?
Shaping and firming the cheese ball is key to getting it to hold together well. Here are some tips:
- Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing. It helps blend everything smoothly.
- After mixing, shape your cheese ball using plastic wrap, which helps mold it evenly.
- Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This helps solidify the mixture, making it easier to handle when you’re ready to serve.
- Rolling it in nuts before serving gives it a pretty finish and adds flavor, so don’t skip that step!
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional for touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh whole cranberries and extra pecans for garnish
- Crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. In total, you’ll need around 2 hours and 15 minutes. Most of that is just waiting for the cheese ball to firm up and get deliciously cold!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a medium-sized bowl, add the softened cream cheese. If you’re using honey or maple syrup for a bit of sweetness, add that too. Mix these together with a spatula or a hand mixer until you have a smooth, creamy texture.
2. Mix In the Fun Stuff:
Now, stir in the chopped dried cranberries, chopped pecans, and fresh parsley. If you’re using garlic powder, add that along with some salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and colorful!
3. Shape the Cheese Ball:
Grab a piece of plastic wrap and place the mixture in the center. Using the wrap, shape the mixture into a ball with your hands. Make sure it’s nice and compact so it holds its shape.
4. Chill to Firm Up:
Tightly wrap the ball in the plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This will help it firm up, making it easier to serve.
5. Add the Finishing Touches:
Once it’s chilled and firm, unwrap the cream cheese ball. Roll it in the extra chopped pecans and cranberries, coating the outside evenly for a festive look and extra crunch.
6. Get Ready to Serve:
Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh whole cranberries and a few pecans on top for an extra touch of holiday cheer!
7. Pair It Up:
Serve your delicious cranberry nut cream cheese ball with crispy crackers or fresh vegetable slices. It’s perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying at home with family!
Enjoy your festive, creamy Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball! Happy snacking!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well in this recipe and still gives you that creamy texture you love. Just keep in mind that it might be slightly less rich than using regular cream cheese.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to keep it well wrapped to maintain its freshness and flavor!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the cream cheese ball up to two days in advance. Just shape it and refrigerate it before serving. Roll it in the nuts and cranberries just before serving for the best presentation!
What Can I Substitute for Pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or have allergies, walnuts, almonds, or even sunflower seeds are great alternatives! You can also omit the nuts entirely if needed—just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
