This cranberry cheese ball makes a beautiful presentation on your holiday or party table. Cheese balls are one of the most tempting of appetizers because everyone loves cheese! Whether it is a yummy cheese ball, baked brie, or a creamy cheese dip, you just can’t go wrong with cheese.
Cranberry Cheese Ball with Orange and Cranberry Nut Coating
This quick & easy cheese ball appetizer is delicious and takes just a few minutes of hands-on time to pull it together. The addition of fresh orange juice and zest is the key to this recipe’s success. The subtle hint of sweetness adds an unexpected dimension to an already incredible set of flavors. Your guests are going to love this cheese ball that is so easy to prepare.
How to Make a Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Orange:
1. Add the cream cheese, water, orange juice, orange zest, and one-third cup cranberries to a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir to combine. Use a silicon spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl, as shown, to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mixture.
2. Place a piece of plastic wrap on a clean, dry work surface and use the silicon spatula to gently scoop the cream cheese mixture on top of it.
3. Wrap the plastic wrap around the cream cheese and gently shape into a ball with your hands. Cover the cheese ball completely in the plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, toss the pecans and fresh parsley with the remaining cranberries in a small bowl until combined.
5. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Place the ball on a round serving plate and gently press the cranberry-pecan mixture into the surface to cover.
What to Serve with a Party or Holiday Cheese Ball?
- Serve this cheese ball immediately with your choice of crackers, fresh fruit, nuts, and sliced vegetables. Enjoy!
- Make a beautiful party tray
Fresh fruit is always a favorite accomiament for a cheese ball along with your favorite crackers. Serve with grapes, apple slices, strawberries and don’t forget the nuts.
Simple Cranberry Cheese Ball for any Holiday or Party Table
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries chopped and divided
- 1 8 oz. package cream cheese room temperature
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest preferably organic
- 1/2 cup pecans finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
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Add the cream cheese, water, orange juice, orange zest, and one-third cup cranberries to a medium-sized mixing bowl and stir to combine. Use a silicon spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl, as shown, to ensure all ingredients are incorporated into the mixture.
-
Place a piece of plastic wrap on a clean, dry work surface and use the silicon spatula to gently scoop the cream cheese mixture on top of it.
-
Wrap the plastic wrap around the cream cheese and gently shape into a ball with your hands. Cover the cheese ball completely in the plastic wrap and transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
-
Meanwhile, toss the pecans and fresh parsley with the remaining cranberries in a small bowl until combined.
-
Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Place the ball on a round serving plate and gently press the cranberry-pecan mixture into the surface to cover.
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Serve immediately with your choice of crackers, fresh fruit, and/or sliced vegetables. Enjoy!
What is the Best Cream Cheese to use for a Cheese Ball
We always use the quality brand of Philadelphia Cream Cheese when we make a holiday or party cheese ball.
Can This Cranberry Cheese Ball be Prepared in Advance?
Make-Ahead Tip: Yes, this cheese ball recipe can be prepared in advance. Once you have the cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap, place it in a freezer bag and freeze for up to one month. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature and coat in the cranberry-pecan mixture.
You Will Also Love Some of Our Delicious Appetizer Recipes:
Baked Cranberry Brie
Easy Corn Dip Recipe
Easy Cheese Ball with Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix
