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Best Easy Light & Creamy Whipped Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

whipped cranberry pecan cheese ball - featured image
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A light and fluffy whipped cheese ball with sweet-tart cranberries and buttery pecans, perfect for parties and holiday gatherings. Ready in under 15 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 medium orange)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
  • For the coating: 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • For the coating: 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, chopped

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 45-60 minutes before starting. It should be soft enough to leave an indent when pressed.
  2. Whip the cream cheese: Place softened cream cheese in mixing bowl. Beat on medium-high speed for 3-4 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy. Scrape down sides halfway through.
  3. Add flavorings: With mixer on low, add honey, orange zest, cinnamon, and salt. Mix until just combined, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust if needed.
  4. Fold in mix-ins: Using a rubber spatula, gently fold in chopped cranberries and pecans. Do not overmix.
  5. Shape the cheese ball: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap. Scrape cheese mixture onto center. Gather edges and twist to form a ball shape. Aim for a large grapefruit size.
  6. Chill the cheese ball: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  7. Prepare coating: About 15 minutes before serving, combine extra chopped pecans and dried cranberries on a plate.
  8. Coat the cheese ball: Remove chilled cheese ball from plastic wrap. Roll gently in pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Pat on extra coating where needed.
  9. Serve: Place on serving platter. Let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, sliced apples, pear slices, or celery sticks.

Notes

Make ahead: Can be made without coating up to 3 days in advance. Add coating just before serving. For best texture, let cheese ball sit at room temperature 10-15 minutes before serving. Toast pecans for extra flavor. Use a microplane for orange zest to avoid bitter pith.

Nutrition

Keywords: whipped cheese ball, cranberry pecan cheese ball, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, cream cheese ball, party appetizer

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/best-easy-light-and-creamy-whipped-cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball/