Vegetarian Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
Looking for the perfect appetizer to wow your guests this holiday season? This Vegetarian Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s festive, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Forget about spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe comes together in minutes, leaving you more time to enjoy the party.
This cheese ball is a delicious combination of creamy cheese, tangy cranberries, and crunchy pecans. The sweetness of the cranberries perfectly complements the savory cheese, while the pecans add a delightful textural contrast. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for accommodating various dietary needs.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz goat cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of salt
- Extra pecans, for coating
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and goat cheese. Beat with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chopped cranberries, pecans, chives, garlic powder, and salt to the cheese mixture. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
- While the cheese mixture is chilling, spread the extra pecans on a plate or shallow dish.
- Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and form it into a ball using your hands.
- Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the surface.
- Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This will help it to hold its shape.
- Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables for dipping.
Tips and Variations:
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- Substitute walnuts or almonds for pecans, if desired.
- Mix in some crumbled blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Serve with a variety of dippers to cater to different tastes.
Enjoy this festive and delicious Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball at your next gathering! It’s sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
Cream cheese, goat cheese, dried cranberries, pecans, fresh chives, garlic powder, salt, extra pecans
Tags:
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