Description
This easy cheese ball recipe is a crowd-pleasing party snack that combines creamy sharp cheddar and cream cheese with toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and fresh herbs. Rolled in a crunchy coating of nuts, seeds, and herbs, it’s a perfect appetizer to wow your guests with minimal prep and no cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
Coating and Garnish
- 0.5 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
For Presentation
- Rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Assorted crackers for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy. Gradually add in the shredded sharp white cheddar, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and half portions of toasted pecans, dried cranberries, parsley, and chives. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lightly moisten your hands with water to prevent sticking. Gather the cheese mixture and shape it firmly into a round ball, ensuring it’s compact and holds together well.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: On a clean surface or plate, combine the remaining toasted pecans, dried cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds. Mix these evenly to form the coating mixture.
- Coat the Cheese Ball: Roll the formed cheese ball over the coating mixture. Press gently with your hands to ensure an even and complete cover of nuts, seeds, and herbs all around the cheese ball.
- Chill to Set: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to allow it to firm up and let the flavors meld.
- Serve and Garnish: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and transfer it to a serving platter. Surround it with an assortment of crackers. Garnish the platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive and aromatic touch.
- Enjoy: Invite your guests to serve themselves this delicious and visually appealing cheese ball party snack and enjoy the flavorful combination of creamy, crunchy, and fruity elements.
Notes
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to make mixing easier and achieve a smoother texture.
- Feel free to substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- If you want a milder flavor, reduce the amount of garlic powder by half.
- For a festive twist, add a dash of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- This cheese ball can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated, just bring to room temperature before serving for best taste and texture.
- Use fresh herbs to enhance flavor, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch at about half the quantity.
