This delightful Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball is a perfect mix of creamy, tangy, and crunchy. It features smooth cream cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy nuts that make every bite special.
Serve it with your favorite crackers for a fun snack, or impress your friends at parties! I always love watching everyone enjoy it—and maybe sneaking a few bites myself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cream Cheese: This is the star ingredient! For a lighter option, you can use reduced-fat cream cheese, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. I sometimes mix in flavored cream cheese for extra zing!
Dried Cranberries: If you don’t have dried cranberries, raisins or dried cherries work too. They offer a nice sweetness. I’ve found that chopped apricots give a fun texture and flavor as well!
Nuts: Pecans and walnuts add crunch, but feel free to use almonds or hazelnuts. Toasting the nuts slightly enhances their flavor! I love adding a mix of different nuts for more texture.
Fresh Chives: Chives offer a mild onion flavor, but green onions or parsley can also be great substitutes. If you want something bold, chopped jalapeño adds a kick!
Honey or Maple Syrup: This is optional, but if you’re not keen on sweetness, you might skip this. You can also use agave syrup or leave it out altogether for a more savory snack.
How Do I Shape the Cream Cheese Ball Perfectly?
Shaping the cream cheese ball can be tricky, but here’s a simple method:
- Once mixed, use your hands (damp hands prevent sticking) to scoop some mixture and form it into a ball.
- Roll the ball gently in chopped nuts right after shaping, so they stick nicely.
- If the mixture feels too soft, refrigerating it for about 15 minutes helps it firm up for easier shaping.
Chilling the ball also lets the flavors blend beautifully, so don’t skip that step!
Cranberry Nut Cream Cheese Ball
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cheese Ball:
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans or walnuts, chopped (plus extra whole nuts for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Fresh whole cranberries (for garnish)
For Serving:
- Crackers (of your choice)
- Optional: 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for a touch of sweetness)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty snack will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 1 hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, set aside 1 hour and 15 minutes to enjoy this easy and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, the chopped nuts, chives, garlic powder, and salt together. If you want a hint of sweetness, add the honey or maple syrup here. Don’t be shy; really mix it until everything is combined well!
2. Shaping the Cheese Ball:
Once mixed, use your hands or a spatula to gently shape the mixture into a ball. If it feels too sticky, you can refrigerate it for about 15 minutes first to make shaping easier.
3. Coating with Nuts:
Carefully roll the cream cheese ball in the extra chopped nuts. Make sure it’s well coated for that delightful crunch and flavor!
4. Garnishing and Serving:
Put the cheese ball on a serving platter. Top it off with a sprinkle of whole nuts and some fresh cranberries to make it visually appealing. Surround the cheese ball with your favorite crackers for delicious dipping!
5. Chilling Time:
For the best flavors, chill the cheese ball in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows all the ingredients to blend beautifully and makes it easier to slice into.
Now you’re ready to enjoy your cranberry nut cream cheese ball! It’s a fantastic appetizer for parties, game nights, or just a special treat for yourself and your family. Happy snacking!
Can I Use Fresh Cranberries Instead of Dried?
Fresh cranberries are too tart for this recipe since they don’t provide the same sweetness as dried cranberries. If you’re looking for a fresh twist, consider using dried cherries or raisins instead for a similar texture and sweetness!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
You can store any leftover cream cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be sure to keep it well covered to maintain its freshness and flavor!
What Can I Serve with This Cheese Ball?
This cream cheese ball pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers, but you could also serve it with sliced fresh vegetables like cucumbers, bell peppers, or even apple slices for a refreshing contrast!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cream cheese ball a day in advance. Just store it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to soften it slightly for easier spreading.