Description
This easy cheese ball party snack is a creamy, flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and zesty seasonings, it’s coated with a colorful mix of toasted pecans, dried cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Refrigerated to firm up, it pairs wonderfully with crackers and makes for an impressive yet simple party treat.
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
- 0.25 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped (half of 0.5 cup)
- 0.25 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (half of 0.5 cup)
- 0.5 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped (half of 1 tablespoon)
- 0.5 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (half of 1 tablespoon)
Coating Mix
- 0.25 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped (remaining half of 0.5 cup)
- 0.25 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (remaining half of 0.5 cup)
- 0.5 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (remaining half of 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the shredded sharp white cheddar, garlic powder, fine sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half portions of the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, parsley, and chives. Combine everything thoroughly to create a homogeneous mixture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Moisten your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking, then gather the cheese mixture and shape it firmly into a ball. Ensure it is compact so it holds together well during coating.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: On a clean surface or shallow dish, combine the remaining toasted pecans, dried cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds. Mix evenly to create the coating mixture.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the shaped cheese ball over the prepared coating mixture. Press gently and evenly with your hands to ensure the entire surface is covered with the nut, berry, and seed mixture.
- Chill to Firm Up: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes. This step allows the cheese ball to firm up, making it easier to serve and improving texture.
- Serve: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and transfer it to a serving platter. Surround it with an assortment of crackers for dipping or spreading. Garnish the platter with rosemary sprigs for a festive presentation. Invite guests to serve themselves and enjoy this easy party snack.
Notes
- The cream cheese should be softened to room temperature for easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- To toast pecans, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway until fragrant and lightly browned.
- Moistening hands with water before shaping the ball prevents sticking and helps form a smooth surface.
- The cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead and stored wrapped in the refrigerator to enhance flavors.
- For a nut-free version, substitute nuts with extra seeds or finely chopped vegetables if desired.
