Christmas Cheese Ball

This Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer perfect for holiday parties. With a rich, creamy texture from the cream cheese and a delightful mix of savory cheddar, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans, it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Easy to prepare and sure to impress, this cheese ball is a must-have for your holiday spread, making it a delightful addition to your Christmas celebrations.

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Crackers, for serving

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, chopped pecans, dried cranberries, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
2. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands. Once formed, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
3. Before serving, if desired, roll the cheese ball in additional chopped pecans, dried cranberries, and green onions for extra flavor and a festive look.
4. Serve the cheese ball with crackers and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (including refrigeration)

Variations

• Herbed Cheese Ball: Add finely chopped fresh herbs like parsley, rosemary, or thyme to the cheese mixture for a more herbaceous flavor.
• Spicy Cheese Ball: For a spicy kick, mix in a teaspoon of hot sauce, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or chopped jalapeños.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses, like cream cheese and blue cheese, or swap the cheddar for gouda or Swiss.
• Bacon Lovers: Add crispy bacon crumbles to the mixture for a smoky, savory twist.
• Sweet and Savory: Try rolling the cheese ball in additional dried fruit like chopped apricots or figs, or swap pecans for walnuts for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the cheese ball in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cheese ball for up to a month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Let it thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Reheating: There is no need to reheat this dish—serve it chilled or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use low-fat cream cheese for this recipe?
   Yes, you can substitute low-fat cream cheese, but the texture may be a bit lighter and less creamy than the full-fat version.
2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?
   Fresh cranberries are quite tart and would need to be sweetened before using. Dried cranberries work best for this recipe because of their sweetness and chewy texture.
3. What can I use instead of pecans?
   Walnuts, almonds, or cashews would make great substitutes for pecans. Choose one based on your preference or what you have on hand.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
   Yes, this cheese ball can be made a day or two in advance. Just keep it wrapped tightly in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
5. Can I serve this without crackers?
   Absolutely! The cheese ball can also be served with sliced veggies like cucumbers, carrots, or celery for a healthier option.
6. How can I make the cheese ball more festive?
   For a more holiday-specific touch, you can shape the cheese ball into a wreath or tree shape, or even decorate it with edible glitter or holiday-themed sprinkles.
7. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
   While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheese will give the best texture and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the consistency.
8. What can I serve with the cheese ball besides crackers?
   You can serve the cheese ball with a variety of accompaniments, such as sliced baguette, breadsticks, or even apple slices for a sweet contrast.
9. What kind of crackers go well with this cheese ball?
   Choose crackers with a neutral or slightly salty flavor to complement the rich cheese ball. Water crackers, buttery Ritz crackers, or multigrain crackers are all great choices.
10. Can I roll the cheese ball in something else instead of pecans?
    Yes! You can roll the cheese ball in a variety of toppings like crushed pretzels, chopped olives, bacon bits, or even finely chopped herbs.

Conclusion

This Christmas Cheese Ball is an easy, delicious, and festive appetizer that will surely be a hit at your holiday gatherings. The combination of creamy cheese, savory cheddar, sweet cranberries, and crunchy pecans creates a flavor-packed bite that pairs perfectly with crackers. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or looking for a last-minute treat, this cheese ball is sure to add a touch of holiday cheer to your table. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, it’s a holiday classic everyone will enjoy!

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