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Cozy Cranberry Cheese Ball with Candied Pecans

cozy cranberry cheese ball with candied pecans - featured image
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A creamy, tangy cheese ball studded with dried cranberries and green onions, coated in crunchy candied pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup pecan halves
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of salt
  • Crackers of choice for serving
  • Apple slices or pear slices for serving
  • Celery sticks for serving

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take the cream cheese out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. If short on time, cut into smaller cubes to speed softening.
  2. Make the candied pecans: In a small skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add pecan halves, brown sugar, maple syrup, cinnamon (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until the sugar melts and the pecans are glossy. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and let cool completely.
  3. Chop the mix-ins: Finely chop the dried cranberries and thinly slice the green onions.
  4. Mix the cheese ball base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, sliced green onions, honey, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  5. Shape the cheese ball: Scoop the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to firm up.
  6. Crush and coat: Once the candied pecans are cool, place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin into small pieces. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the crushed pecans, pressing gently to adhere.
  7. Serve: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, apple slices, or celery sticks.

Notes

For best results, chill the cheese ball thoroughly before coating with pecans. The candied pecans can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container. If using store-bought candied pecans, toast them in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes to refresh crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, candied pecans, holiday appetizer, cream cheese ball, easy appetizer

Find it online: https://evabake.com/cozy-cranberry-cheese-ball-with-candied-pecans/