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Cozy Cranberry Jalapeño Cheese Ball: Easy Holiday Appetizer

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A creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy cheese ball studded with dried cranberries and jalapeño, coated in crunchy toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this easy no-bake appetizer is a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • ⅔ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh jalapeño, seeded and finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge at least 1 hour before starting. It should be soft enough that a finger pressed into it leaves a deep indent.
  2. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add chopped pecans and stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.
  3. Prep add-ins: Finely chop dried cranberries (about size of small peas), mince jalapeño (seeds removed for mild heat), and slice green onions.
  4. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, beat softened cream cheese with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down sides. Add sour cream and beat for 30 seconds until combined.
  5. Add flavor: Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Beat on low until incorporated. Do not overmix.
  6. Fold in add-ins: Using a rubber spatula, fold in chopped cranberries, minced jalapeño, and sliced green onions until evenly distributed. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
  7. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on counter. Scrape cheese mixture onto center. Use wrap to shape into a ball. Twist top to secure tightly.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate wrapped cheese ball for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
  9. Coat with pecans: Once firm, spread cooled toasted pecans on a plate. Unwrap cheese ball and roll gently in pecans, pressing lightly to adhere. Pat on any bare spots.
  10. Serve or store: Place on serving platter. If not serving immediately, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Let sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving for easy spreading.

Notes

For best flavor, chill overnight. Toast pecans for extra depth. Chop add-ins finely for even distribution. Can be made up to 3 days ahead; add pecan coating day of serving. Freeze before coating for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry jalapeño cheese ball, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, no-bake appetizer, cream cheese appetizer

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/cozy-cranberry-jalape-n-o-cheese-ball-easy-holiday-appetizer/