Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (second block for structure)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped, divided
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped, divided
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pinch kosher salt, to taste
- 1 teaspoon orange zest or finely chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
- crackers and cut veggies, for serving
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- hand mixer or sturdy spatula
- plastic wrap
- Skillet for toasting nuts
Method
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes until fragrant. Cool completely.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in cheddar, ½ cup cranberries, ½ cup pecans, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, pepper, salt, and optional zest or rosemary.
- Transfer mixture to plastic wrap. Shape into a tight ball and chill 15 minutes.
- Combine remaining cranberries with remaining pecans. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll in the mixture to coat all sides.
- Chill 30 to 120 minutes until firm. Serve with crackers and vegetables.
Nutrition
Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 5gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 210mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 150mgIron: 0.5mg
Notes
Subs: Pecans can be replaced with walnuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, or crushed pretzels. Use soy sauce or tamari instead of Worcestershire for a different flavor.
Diet Notes: Gluten-free if served with GF crackers. Vegetarian-friendly.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, skillet for toasting nuts.
Alternate Method: Use a food processor to pulse all ingredients for 10–15 seconds, then fold in half of the mix-ins by hand for texture.
Presentation Ideas: Form into a turkey shape with pretzel sticks for feathers, or create mini cheese balls for bite-sized servings.
Safety Tip: Keep chilled and limit room-temp exposure to 2 hours.
Diet Notes: Gluten-free if served with GF crackers. Vegetarian-friendly.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, skillet for toasting nuts.
Alternate Method: Use a food processor to pulse all ingredients for 10–15 seconds, then fold in half of the mix-ins by hand for texture.
Presentation Ideas: Form into a turkey shape with pretzel sticks for feathers, or create mini cheese balls for bite-sized servings.
Safety Tip: Keep chilled and limit room-temp exposure to 2 hours.
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