This Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a fun and tasty snack that’s perfect for any gathering. It’s creamy, tart, and has a nice crunch from nuts!
I love how easy it is to whip up. Just mix, chill, and serve with crackers. Your friends will be impressed, and they won’t be able to resist coming back for more! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This creates a rich, creamy base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use low-fat cream cheese or even goat cheese for a tangy twist.
Dried Cranberries: They’re sweet and tart! If you can’t find dried cranberries, raisins or dried cherries work well too. I love using tart cherries for an extra zing!
Nuts: I suggest pecans for their buttery flavor, but walnuts are great too. You can swap in sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds if you’re looking for a nut-free version.
Fresh Parsley: This adds freshness. You could also try chives or cilantro for a different flavor profile, depending on your taste preferences.
How Do I Ensure My Cream Cheese Ball is Perfectly Coated?
The coating is what makes this cheese ball visually appealing and adds a tasty crunch! To get that perfect coat, follow these tips:
- Make sure your cream cheese mixture is chilled well before you roll it; this helps it hold its shape.
- Use the plastic wrap to shape the ball tightly to prevent cracks when you coat it.
- Press the coating mixture firmly onto the ball so that it sticks well.
- Don’t be shy! The more coating, the better the flavor and texture.
Using these tips will help you achieve that impressive look and delicious taste that everyone loves!
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (plus extra for coating and garnish)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cheese ball takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 2 hours to chill in the fridge. So, you can make it ahead of time and let it firm up while you get ready for your gathering!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Cream Cheese:
In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until it’s smooth and creamy. This creates a nice base for all the other yummy ingredients.
2. Add Flavor:
Next, stir in the chopped dried cranberries, 1/2 cup of the chopped pecans or walnuts, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together really well until it’s all combined.
3. Shape the Ball:
Now, transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture tightly into a ball. This will keep it nice and round!
4. Chill Out:
Wrap the ball well in the plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This helps it firm up perfectly.
5. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix the remaining chopped nuts and some chopped dried cranberries. This is what you’ll roll your cheese ball in for that crunchy exterior.
6. Roll It Up:
Once the cheese ball is chilled and firm, take it out of the fridge and unwrap it. Roll the ball in the nut and cranberry mixture, gently pressing so it sticks well.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Place your beautifully coated cheese ball on a serving platter. To make it extra pretty, garnish the top with a few whole nuts and cranberries. Now it’s ready to impress your guests!
8. Enjoy!
Serve the cream cheese ball chilled with an assortment of crackers for spreading and dipping. It’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly crunchy — a delicious treat for any occasion!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cream cheese if you’re looking for a lighter option. It will still provide a creamy texture, but the flavor might be slightly different than traditional cream cheese.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to keep it tightly sealed to maintain freshness!
Can This Be Made Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance. Just wrap it well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve it. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
What Can I Serve with the Cheese Ball?
This cream cheese ball pairs perfectly with a variety of crackers, but you can also serve it with sliced vegetables like carrots or cucumbers for a fresh option. Enjoy experimenting!
