Description
This Cranberry Cheeseball is a delightful, easy-to-make appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings and parties. Creamy cream cheese blends with sharp white cheddar, dried cranberries, and chives, then the mixture is rolled in a crunchy coating of walnuts and cranberries for a festive and flavorful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese (softened)
- 8 ounces White Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 cup Chopped Dried Cranberries (divided)
- 4 tablespoons Finely Chopped Chives (divided)
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 cup Walnuts (roughly chopped, divided)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Place the cream cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, ¼ cup of the chopped dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives, garlic powder, and ¼ cup of chopped walnuts into a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix until all ingredients are fully combined and smooth.
- Form Cheeseball: Scrape the cheese mixture from the bowl and shape it into a ball using your hands or a spatula.
- Prepare Coating: In a small bowl, combine the remaining ¾ cup chopped dried cranberries, 2 tablespoons chopped chives, and ¾ cup chopped walnuts. Toss together until evenly mixed.
- Coat Cheeseball: Roll the formed cheeseball in the walnut and cranberry mixture until it is completely covered on all sides, creating a festive and textured exterior.
- Chill: Wrap the cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up and allow flavors to meld. For best results, chill overnight.
- Serve: Remove from refrigerator, unwrap, and serve the cranberry cheeseball with an assortment of fresh vegetables and crackers for dipping or spreading.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing.
- Chilling the cheeseball overnight enhances the flavor and makes it easier to slice or scoop.
- Walnuts can be toasted lightly to add extra crunch and flavor if desired.
- This cheeseball can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator wrapped well in plastic.
- Serve with whole grain crackers or crudités like celery, carrots, and cucumber slices for a balanced appetizer.
