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Cozy Cranberry Cheese Ball Rolled in Pecans and Rosemary

Cozy Cranberry Cheese Ball Rolled in Pecans and Rosemary - featured image
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A creamy, tangy cheese ball studded with dried cranberries and fresh rosemary, rolled in toasted pecans. Perfect for holiday parties or a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped (divided)
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the pecans: Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped pecans and cook, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.
  2. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge about 30 minutes before starting. It should be soft enough to press a finger into but not melty.
  3. Mix the cheese base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, chopped green onions, 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and honey (if using). Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Scrape down sides of bowl.
  4. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on counter. Scoop mixture onto center. Using plastic wrap, shape into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
  5. Prepare the coating: In a small bowl, combine cooled toasted pecans and remaining 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary. Mix together.
  6. Roll the cheese ball: Once firm, unwrap cheese ball and place in bowl with pecan-rosemary mixture. Use hands to gently press coating onto all sides.
  7. Final chill: Place coated cheese ball back in fridge for about 30 minutes to let coating set.
  8. Serve: Transfer to serving platter. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs and whole pecans if desired. Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, apple slices, or celery sticks.

Notes

For best results, use fresh rosemary and toast the pecans. Let cheese ball rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Can be made ahead and frozen (without coating) for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry cheese ball, pecan cheese ball, rosemary cheese ball, holiday appetizer, easy cheese ball, cream cheese ball

Find it online: https://junomeals.com/cozy-cranberry-cheese-ball-rolled-in-pecans-and-rosemary/