Description
This creamy cheese ball combines cream cheese, goat cheese, and sharp cheddar with sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans, making it a perfect appetizer for gatherings. Serve it with crackers or fresh vegetables for a delightful treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers or fresh vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Using a hand mixer or a spatula, blend them together until smooth and creamy. This will be the base of your cheese ball.
- Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the mixture. Mix well until all the cheeses are fully incorporated.
- Fold in the chopped dried cranberries, then add the finely chopped pecans. Mix everything thoroughly so that the cranberries and pecans are evenly distributed.
- Sprinkle in the green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
- Lightly wet your hands and scoop out a portion of the mixture, rolling it into a ball about the size of a tennis ball.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the remaining chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
- Optionally, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for garnish.
- Serve on a platter surrounded by crackers and fresh vegetables, providing a small cheese knife or spreader for easy serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider mixing in some herbs or spices of your choice.
- This cheese ball can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- If you prefer a different nut, walnuts or almonds can be used instead of pecans.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes