Get ready to be the star of your holiday gathering with this irresistible Cranberry Walnut Holiday Cheese Ball that promises to transform your appetizer game from ordinary to extraordinary! Imagine a creamy, tangy blend of cream cheese and cheddar, studded with sweet dried cranberries and crunchy walnuts, creating a festive treat that's not just a snack, but a conversation starter. Whether you're hosting a family dinner, a winter party, or just craving a delicious bite, this cheese ball will have everyone asking for your secret recipe.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 cheese ball
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Remove cream cheese from refrigerator and let soften at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes to ensure easy mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or spatula to blend until smooth and well incorporated.
- Finely chop dried cranberries and walnuts using a sharp knife, ensuring pieces are uniform in size for even distribution.
- Mince green onions into small, delicate pieces to enhance flavor without overpowering the cheese mixture.
- Add chopped cranberries, walnuts, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Gently fold ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- Line a small bowl with plastic wrap, allowing excess wrap to hang over the edges for easy removal.
- Transfer cheese mixture into the plastic wrap-lined bowl, using a spatula to shape into a compact ball.
- Fold plastic wrap over the cheese ball and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld and mixture to firm up.
- Before serving, unwrap cheese ball and roll in additional chopped walnuts for a decorative and crunchy exterior.
- Place cheese ball on a serving platter and surround with an assortment of crackers for guests to enjoy.
Tips
- Temperature is key: Ensure cream cheese is truly soft but not melted for the smoothest texture.
- Chop ingredients uniformly to create a balanced flavor and texture in every bite.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least an hour to help it set and allow flavors to meld beautifully.
- For a gourmet touch, toast the walnuts lightly before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Make the cheese ball a day ahead to save time and let flavors develop even more.
- Experiment with different nuts or dried fruits to customize your cheese ball.
- Serve at room temperature for the best taste and spreadability.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 85mg
