Chеese balls are old pаrty food that everyone seems to enjoy . They mix soft cream cheese with tasty bits of sweet berries and crunchy nuts , making it a fun treat for most people . Cranberry cheese ball is one of those that bring a bright red color and a tangy taste at the same time .
What makes them extra neat is you can change things up any way you like , so it works for big feasts or even for movie nights . This post will tell you what a cranberry cheese ball is , show you what you need , give a simple step by step recipe , and share tips on when to serve it and how to store it .
1. What is a Cranberry Cheese Ball?
A cranberry cheese ball is a small round snack made by mixing cream cheese with dried cranberries and other goodies . It’s part of a big family of cheese balls that date back to old family parties when ppl liked simple finger foods . Folks would roll cheese into balls and coat them with nuts or spices for extra crunch and flavor .
Cranberries are used a lot in North America , especially at holidays . Their tangy flavor cuts right through the rich cheese , so every bite is both creamy and bright . Plus , the red berries make the ball look pretty on a party table .
1.2 Why Choose Cranberries?
Using cranberries in a cheese ball has some cool perks . The tart,yet sweet taste of dried cranberries pairs great with savoury cheese , so your taste buds get a fun surprise . And since cranberries are full of vitamins and antioxidants , you feel a bit better about snacking on cheese .
These berries also have fiber that aids digestion and anti‐inflammatory stuff that may help your body . So cranberry cheese balls aren’t just tasty , they’re kinda smart snack too .
2. Ingredients for Cranberry Cheese Ball
To make a basic cranberry cheese ball , you need some key ingredients but you can always add extras to fit your taste :
2.1 Essential Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Softened to room temp for easy mixing .
- Dried Cranberries: Chopped up so they spread through the cheese .
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar is common , but you can use what you like .
- Green Onions: Thinly sliced for a mild fresh zing .
- Walnuts or Pecans: Finely chopped to roll the ball in .
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Just a dash of each for depth .
- Optional Herbs: Parsley , thyme or chives will all work .
2.2 Optional Add-Ins
- Nuts: Try sliced almonds or pistachios for more crunch .
- Herbs: Dill or basil can add a fresh twist .
- Spices: A pinch of cinnamon or paprika for a fun change .
2.3 Variations
- Sweet Style: Stir in honey or brown sugar if you like it sweeter .
- Savory Style: Add bacon bits or sun‐dried tomatoes for a meaty flavor .
3. Detailed Recipe for Cranberry Cheese Ball
3.1 Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese , softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese ( or any you prefer )
- ½ cup dried cranberries , chopped
- ¼ cup sliced green onions
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans , finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh herbs like parsley or thyme
3.2 Directions
- In a big bowl , mash together the cream cheese and shredded cheese .
- Stir in the cranberries , green onions , garlic powder and onion powder .
- Mix until it all looks even and no big chunks remain .
- Shape the mix into a ball using your hands .
- Roll the ball in the chopped nuts so it’s fully coated .
- Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours until firm .
- Serve with crackers , fruit slices or veggie sticks .
3.3 Serving Suggestions
- Crackers: Pick a mix of crispy or whole grain for different textures .
- Apple Slices: Their sweetness goes well with the tangy cheese ball .
- Vegetable Sticks: Carrot and celery add a fresh crunch .
cranberry cheese ball
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 plastic wrap
- 1 serving platter
- 1 food processor optional
- 1 spatula
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 4 oz cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onions finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- additional chopped walnuts for coating
- additional dried cranberries for coating
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended.
- Add the chopped dried cranberries, walnuts, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Place the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, wrapping it tightly in the plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in additional chopped walnuts and cranberries to coat the outside.
- Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter or cheese board. Serve with your choice of crackers or sliced vegetables.
