This Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a festive treat that’s perfect for parties. It’s creamy, tart, and crunchy, combining cream cheese with sweet cranberries and crunchy nuts!
It’s so easy to make, and everyone loves it! I like to serve it with crispy crackers for a delicious bite. Watch it disappear faster than you can say “holiday cheer!” 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the main base of the cheese ball. I recommend using full-fat cream cheese for the best texture and flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider Neufchâtel cheese, which has less fat but similar creaminess.
Dried Cranberries: They add a sweet-tart flavor that balances the richness of the cheese. You can substitute with dried cherries or raisins if you prefer. For a healthier option, try using fresh cranberries, but chop them finely and adjust the sweetness!
Nuts: I really like pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts work great too! If you’re nut-free, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can provide a nice crunch without the allergy concerns.
Fresh Parsley: This brightens the flavor and adds color. If you’re out of parsley, cilantro or green onions can be good alternatives for a fresh touch.
Honey or Maple Syrup: These add a hint of sweetness. If you’d like to keep it sugar-free, consider using a sugar substitute like agave syrup or leaving it out altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Coat the Cheese Ball?
Shaping and coating can be a bit tricky, but with these steps, you’ll nail it! First, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened; it makes mixing and shaping much easier.
- Once mixed, use your hands to form a tight ball, and don’t worry about it being perfect—little cracks are okay.
- For coating, spread the chopped nuts on a plate. Roll the ball in the nuts gently, pressing lightly to ensure they stick. This adds a nice texture!
- Chill the ball in plastic wrap. This helps it hold its shape better and lets the flavors blend nicely.
- Finally, garnish before serving. It makes your cheese ball look extra appealing!
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, plus extra for coating
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional for a mild savory note)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious appetizer takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. Chilling helps the flavors mingle and makes the cream cheese ball easier to slice. It’s quick and perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped nuts, fresh parsley, honey (if you’re using it), garlic powder (if you like a little savory), and salt and pepper. Use a fork or spatula to mix everything until it’s well combined. Make sure no big chunks remain—aim for a smooth mixture!
2. Shaping the Cheese Ball:
Now comes the fun part! Using your hands or a spatula, shape the mixture into a firm ball. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect! Just make sure it’s tightly packed to keep its shape when you serve it.
3. Coating the Cheese Ball:
Take your extra chopped nuts and spread them out on a plate. Carefully roll the cream cheese ball in the nuts, pressing gently so they stick to the surface. This will give your cheese ball a lovely, crunchy coating!
4. Chilling Time:
Wrap the ball tightly in plastic wrap. This is important! Refrigerate it for at least 1 hour. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together and makes the cheese ball easier to slice and serve.
5. Serving the Cheese Ball:
When you’re ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a nice wooden board or serving plate. You can garnish it with extra whole pecans and fresh cranberries around the ball for a festive touch. It looks gorgeous and appetizing!
6. Enjoying Your Creation:
Serve your cheese ball chilled with a variety of crackers or sliced baguette. Watch your guests enjoy this creamy, tangy, and nutty delight as it disappears from the platter!
Enjoy this fun and festive appetizer that’s perfect for any gathering!
Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. This gives the flavors even more time to meld together!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, wrap it in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the container. Enjoy it as a quick snack with crackers!
Can I Substitute Ingredients?
Yes! Feel free to get creative. You can use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones for a tangier flavor—just chop them finely and adjust the sweetness. Also, different nuts, like almonds or hazelnuts, can work well if you want a twist!
How Can I Make This Cheese Ball Vegan?
If you’re looking for a vegan option, you can substitute the cream cheese with plant-based cream cheese. Use maple syrup for sweetness and ensure the nuts and cranberries you choose are also vegan. It will still be delicious!