This fun and festive Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a perfect party treat! It blends creamy cheese, sweet cranberries, and crunchy nuts for a tasty bite.
Honestly, who can resist spreading this on crackers? It’s a hit every time! When I make it, I double the recipe—because leftovers are a myth around here! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is essential for a smooth texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, you could substitute with Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese option. Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing!
Dried Cranberries: These add a lovely sweetness. If you prefer something less sweet, you can use dried cherries or apricots. They’re delightful too! Or if fresh cranberries are in season, chop them finely for a tart kick.
Pecans: Pecans give a nice crunch. If you don’t have them, walnuts or almonds are great substitutes. For nut allergies, you could use sunflower seeds or even pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Fresh Parsley: This adds a pop of color and freshness. If you don’t have parsley, chives or even cilantro can work, depending on your taste.
Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest enhances flavor. You can swap it out for lime zest or even a splash of apple cider vinegar for a different twist.
How Do You Form and Chill the Cream Cheese Ball Perfectly?
Forming and chilling the cream cheese ball well is key! Here’s how to get it just right:
- After mixing everything, use a spatula or your hands to shape it into a ball. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy; just smooth it out as much as you can.
- Roll the ball in the extra chopped pecans on a plate. This adds great flavor and looks beautiful!
- Chill for at least 1 hour. This helps the flavors blend and the ball holds its shape better when served.
Trust me, letting it chill really boosts the taste! Enjoy serving it up cold with your favorite snacks!
How to Make a Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup pecans, chopped (plus extra for coating)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Crackers, for serving
- Fresh cranberries (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball takes about 15 minutes of prep time. After mixing everything together, you’ll need to chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend. So, overall, plan for about 1 hour and 15 minutes before you’re ready to enjoy this tasty treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, start by adding the softened cream cheese. Then, toss in the chopped dried cranberries, 1 cup of chopped pecans, fresh parsley, lemon zest, garlic powder, and black pepper. Use a spatula or a fork to mix everything together until it’s all well combined and looks uniform. You want to make sure every bite has a delicious mix of flavors!
2. Shaping the Ball:
Once your mixture is ready, it’s time to form the cream cheese ball! Using your hands or a spatula, take the mixture and gently shape it into a ball. Don’t worry if it’s a little messy—just do your best to smooth it out. This will be the lovely base of your snack!
3. Coating with Pecans:
Next, take some extra chopped pecans and spread them out on a plate. Roll the formed cream cheese ball in the pecans, making sure it gets evenly coated on the outside. This coating adds wonderful crunch and flavor to every bite!
4. Chilling for Flavor:
Place your coated cream cheese ball in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. Chilling not only helps the flavors meld together, but it also makes it easier to slice and spread when you’re ready to serve.
5. Serving it Up:
When you’re ready to serve, take the cream cheese ball out of the fridge. Arrange it on a nice serving board along with a variety of crackers. For a little extra flair, you can garnish with fresh cranberries and some extra chopped pecans around the ball. It makes for a beautiful presentation!
6. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Serve the cream cheese ball chilled, allowing your guests to spread it on crackers or veggies. It’s a delicious, festive treat that everyone will love!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can substitute with low-fat or even reduced-fat cream cheese! Just make sure it’s softened for easy mixing and similar texture. It will still taste delicious!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to wrap it well to maintain freshness. You can enjoy it again with crackers or fresh veggies!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese ball a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge until your event. It’ll save you time and let the flavors develop even more!
What If I Don’t Have Pecans?
If you don’t have pecans, you can use other nuts like walnuts or almonds. For nut allergies, try using sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds—they’ll add a nice crunch too!
