This Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a tasty treat for any gathering! Soft cream cheese, crunchy nuts, and sweet cranberries blend together perfectly for a snack that everyone loves.
Serving this ball with crackers is a total crowd-pleaser. And let’s be real, it’s hard to stop at just one bite! I often make it for parties, and it vanishes quickly! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: Use softened cream cheese for easy mixing. If you want a lighter option, try Neufchâtel cheese, which is lower in fat. Vegan cream cheese can also work well for a dairy-free alternative.
Dried Cranberries: I recommend using sweetened dried cranberries for that perfect balance of flavor. If they aren’t available, raisins can be a good substitute, although they won’t have the same tartness.
Nuts: Walnuts add a lovely crunch, but pecans give a sweeter flavor. You can swap them for almonds or cashews if you prefer. Just make sure to chop them for easy rolling.
Fresh Parsley: This adds freshness. If you don’t have parsley, you might use finely chopped chives or green onion for a different, yet fresh, twist.
How Do I Form a Nice Cheese Ball?
Shaping the cheese ball may be the trickiest part, but it’s simple! Start with your cream cheese mixture. To form it well, use these steps:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature; this makes it easier to shape.
- Use clean hands to gather the mixture and press tightly into a ball. Don’t be shy—really compact it!
- Once shaped, cover it with plastic wrap and chill it; this helps it hold its shape.
Trying to form it while the mixture is too sticky? Just wet your hands slightly. This helps prevent sticking and creates a smoother ball!
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped (plus extra for coating)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Crackers, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for chilling in the refrigerator. The chilling time is key for the flavor to meld and for the cheese ball to firm up nicely!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix Your Ingredients:
Start by placing the softened cream cheese into a medium bowl. Add the chopped dried cranberries, chopped nuts (remember to save some for later), finely chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together well, making sure all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. You’ll want a consistent texture with bursts of cranberries and nuts!
2. Shape the Cheese Ball:
Now it’s time to shape your mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to gather the mixture and press it into a ball shape. Be sure to pack it tightly so it holds its form. This is a fun step! Don’t worry if it gets a bit messy—just enjoy the process!
3. Prepare for Coating:
On a clean plate, combine the reserved chopped nuts with a few extra chopped cranberries. This mix will give your cheese ball a nice finish and extra crunch.
4. Coat the Cheese Ball:
Gently roll your formed cheese ball in the nut and cranberry mixture. Press down lightly as you roll to ensure it coats evenly. Cover the entire surface so every bite has delicious crunch!
5. Chill:
Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the ball to firm up, making it easier to slice and serve later.
6. Serve:
About 10 minutes before you plan to serve, take the cheese ball out of the fridge. This allows it to soften a bit, making it more enjoyable to eat. Serve with your favorite crackers or sliced baguette, and watch it disappear!
Enjoy this festive and flavorful cheese ball as a delicious appetizer or party snack!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese can be used as a substitute for regular cream cheese. Just keep in mind that it may affect the final creaminess and flavor slightly, but it will still taste great!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to rewrap it tightly to maintain freshness. You can serve it cold or let it sit out for a few minutes to soften before enjoying.
What Other Nuts Can I Use?
You can definitely substitute walnuts or pecans with other nuts like almonds or hazelnuts. Just be sure they’re chopped well so they can coat the cheese ball evenly!
Can I Make This Cheese Ball in Advance?
Yes, you can make the cheese ball a day ahead of your event! After shaping and rolling it in the coating, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just remember to let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to allow it to soften slightly.