This fun Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a party favorite! It’s creamy, sweet, and packed with crunchy nuts and tangy cranberries. Perfect for spreading on crackers!
You can whip it up in no time and impress your guests! Just mix, shape, and chill—simple as that. I love to serve it with a side of festive crackers for extra crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the base of the recipe. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use low-fat cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor.
Dried Cranberries: They bring sweetness and a pop of color. If cranberries aren’t available, diced apricots or raisins work well too. You can even use fresh cranberries for a tart flavor, just whip them in a quick compote first!
Nuts: Pecans add a lovely crunch, but walnuts are a great substitute if you prefer. For nut allergies, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds can add that crunch without nuts.
Fresh Herbs: Chives or parsley add freshness. If you don’t have them, dried herbs can work in a pinch, though fresh is always best for flavor!
How Do I Smoothly Mix Cream Cheese and Other Ingredients?
Mixing the cream cheese smoothly is essential for a creamy texture. Start with room temperature cream cheese—it makes a big difference!
- Use a hand mixer or a whisk to beat the cream cheese until it’s fluffy and smooth.
- Add honey, lemon juice, and garlic powder gradually while mixing.
- When folding in cranberries and herbs, use a spatula to gently combine without overmixing to keep the texture nice!
This method ensures no lumps and a lovely blend of flavors. Happy mixing!
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for slight sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh whole cranberries and pecans for garnish (optional)
- Crackers or bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball takes about 15 minutes of prep time and at least 1-2 hours to chill in the refrigerator. Perfect for making ahead of time so you can enjoy the party!
Easy Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, honey (if you like it a little sweeter), lemon juice, and garlic powder. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to mix everything until it’s smooth and creamy. This will be the delicious base for your cheese ball!
2. Add the Good Stuff:
Next, fold in the chopped dried cranberries and the fresh chives or parsley. Make sure to save a bit of cranberries and herbs for the outside coating. Gently mix until everything is nicely combined.
3. Shape the Cheese Ball:
Now, with your hands or a large spoon, shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Place the shaped ball onto a piece of plastic wrap. This will help you when it’s time to roll it in the nuts!
4. Prepare the Coating:
On a plate, combine the chopped pecans or walnuts with the remaining cranberries (and herbs if you want). This mixture will give the cream cheese ball a delicious crunchy coating.
5. Roll to Coat:
Take the cream cheese ball out of the plastic wrap and roll it in the pecan and cranberry mixture. Press gently so that everything sticks well. Your cheese ball will start looking festive and yummy!
6. Final Touches:
Transfer the coated cheese ball onto a serving platter. You can garnish the top with a few whole cranberries and pecans for a lovely presentation. It’s starting to look great!
7. Chill and Set:
Cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to blend perfectly and helps it firm up!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
When you’re ready to serve, take it out of the fridge. Slice up some crackers or grab some slices of crusty bread and let everyone dig in. Enjoy the creamy, sweet, and nutty flavor of your Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries are quite tart, so if you prefer using them, consider making a quick cranberry compote by cooking them with a bit of sugar and water until softened. This will help balance the flavors in your cheese ball!
How Long Will the Cheese Ball Last in the Fridge?
Your Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container to keep it fresh!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese ball a day or two in advance. Just shape it, coat it with nuts and cranberries, and refrigerate. This way, it’s ready to serve when you need it!
What Can I Use Instead of Nuts?
If you have nut allergies or want to avoid nuts, you can use seeds instead! Sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds are great alternatives that will provide crunch and flavor. You can also skip the coating entirely if you prefer!