Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese (2 bricks), softened
- 1 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped (divided from total of 1 cup)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (divided from total of 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped (divided from total of 2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (divided from total of 2 tablespoons)
Coating and Garnish
- 1/2 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped (remaining half)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (remaining half)
- 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped (remaining half)
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- Rosemary sprigs, for garnish
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and beat until smooth and creamy. Then, add the shredded sharp white cheddar, garlic powder, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and half of the toasted pecans, dried cranberries, parsley, and chives. Mix thoroughly until fully combined.
- Shape the cheese ball: With lightly wetted hands (to prevent sticking), gather the mixture and form it into a cohesive ball shape. The mixture will be sticky, so water helps ease the shaping process.
- Prepare the coating: On a clean board, spread out the remaining toasted pecans, dried cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds. Mix them together evenly to create a coating mixture.
- Coat the cheese ball: Roll the formed cheese ball over the coating mixture on the board. Use your hands to gently press and adhere the nuts, cranberries, herbs, and seeds evenly all around the cheese ball, ensuring complete coverage.
- Chill the cheese ball: Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes. This step firms up the cheese ball, allowing the flavors to meld and the coating to set.
- Serve the cheese ball: When ready to serve, unwrap the cheese ball and place it on a serving platter. Surround it with your choice of crackers for guests to enjoy.
- Garnish and present: Garnish the serving platter with fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Invite guests to dig in and enjoy this savory, crunchy, and flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- Lightly wetting your hands before shaping helps make handling the sticky cheese mixture easier.
- You can customize the coating by substituting nuts or dried fruit based on your preference.
- For best texture and flavor, chill the cheese ball for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- This cheese ball can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated, covered well to maintain freshness.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for optimal creaminess and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
