Get ready to impress your guests this holiday season with Dorothy's Holiday Cheese Ball—a delightful blend of creamy, savory, and sweet flavors that will have everyone coming back for more! This easy-to-make appetizer is perfect for any gathering, whether it's a cozy family get-together or a festive party with friends. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a stunning cheese ball that not only looks beautiful on your serving platter but also tastes absolutely divine. Trust us, once you serve this crowd-pleaser, it will become a staple at all your future celebrations!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 10 servings
Ingredients
- 2 packages of cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar)
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup of dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- Crackers or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 packages of cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), 1/4 cup of dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, and crackers or veggies for serving.
- In a large mixing bowl, allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
- Once softened, use a hand mixer or a sturdy spatula to blend the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped nuts, dried cranberries, garlic powder, and onion powder to the bowl with the cream cheese. Mix everything together until well combined.
- After mixing, use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape. If the mixture is too sticky, you can lightly moisten your hands with water or oil to help shape it.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap or parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. However, if you're short on time, you can serve it immediately.
- Once chilled, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. If desired, you can roll the cheese ball in additional chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and presentation.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and serve with an assortment of crackers or fresh veggies. Enjoy your Dorothy's Holiday Cheese Ball!
Tips
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Make sure to let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before mixing. This step is crucial for achieving that smooth and creamy texture.
- Customize Your Cheese Ball: Feel free to experiment with different types of shredded cheese or nuts. For a spicier kick, try adding some pepper jack cheese or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- Chill for Best Results: While you can serve the cheese ball immediately, refrigerating it for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors and helps it hold its shape better.
- Presentation is Key: For an eye-catching presentation, roll the cheese ball in extra chopped nuts or dried cranberries before serving. This adds a lovely texture and makes it visually appealing.
- Serve with Variety: Pair your cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, fresh veggies, or even slices of baguette to cater to different tastes and preferences.
- Make Ahead: This recipe is perfect for prepping in advance. You can make the cheese ball a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 60mg
