Description
This easy cheese ball party snack features a creamy blend of full-fat cream cheese and sharp white cheddar, seasoned with garlic powder, sea salt, and black pepper. Enhanced with crunchy toasted pecans, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh herbs, it’s rolled in a delicious coating of nuts, seeds, and herbs. Perfectly chilled and served with crackers, this flavorful cheese ball is a festive and crowd-pleasing appetizer ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 0.5 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped (divided)
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (divided)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped (divided)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (divided)
Coating
- Remaining 0.25 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- Remaining 0.25 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- Remaining 0.5 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add shredded sharp white cheddar, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and half portions of toasted pecans, dried cranberries, parsley, and chives. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined into a uniform mixture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lightly moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Gather the cheese mixture and firmly shape it into a compact ball, ensuring it holds together neatly without cracks.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: On a clean surface, combine the remaining toasted pecans, dried cranberries, chopped chives, and pumpkin seeds. Mix them evenly to create the outer coating blend.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the shaped cheese ball gently over the coating mixture, pressing lightly with your hands so that the mixture adheres evenly and covers the entire surface of the ball for appealing texture and flavor.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate it for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up the cheese and enhance the melding of flavors.
- Serve: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and transfer it to a serving platter. Surround it with an assortment of crackers. Garnish with fresh rosemary sprigs to add a festive aroma and appearance. Invite guests to serve themselves and enjoy this flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Moisten your hands before shaping to avoid sticking.
- Use toasted pecans for a richer flavor and crunch.
- Refrigerate well to allow flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
- Serve with your choice of crackers for a complete snack.
- Can be prepared a day ahead and stored wrapped tightly in the refrigerator.
