Ah, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering around with friends and family, sharing laughter, and indulging in delicious food. One of my absolute favorite treats to whip up during this time is a festive *Christmas cheese ball*. It’s such a crowd-pleaser and a delightful addition to any holiday spread. I remember the first time I made it; I had a group of friends over for a little holiday cheer, and this cheese ball disappeared faster than I could say “cheese!” Trust me, it’s not only incredibly easy to make, but it also looks stunning on the table, adorned with those vibrant cranberries and crunchy pecans. So, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get this holiday appetizer party started!
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Cheese Ball
You’re going to adore this *Christmas cheese ball* for so many reasons! First off, it comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy holiday prep days. The combination of creamy cheese with crunchy pecans and tart cranberries makes every bite a flavor explosion that’s guaranteed to impress your guests. Plus, it’s so festive and colorful, it becomes the centerpiece of your appetizer table. And let’s not forget how versatile it is! You can tweak the ingredients to match your taste or what you have on hand. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become a holiday tradition!
Ingredients for Christmas Cheese Ball
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
How to Prepare the Christmas Cheese Ball
Making this *Christmas cheese ball* is a breeze, and I can’t wait to share how simple it is! First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. I like to mix it all together with a spatula until it’s well combined—this should take about 2-3 minutes. The softened cream cheese makes this step so much easier, so don’t skip that!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Once everything is mixed, use your hands to form the mixture into a ball shape. Don’t worry if it’s a bit sticky; that’s normal!
- Now comes the fun part! Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans and cranberries until it’s fully coated. This adds such a lovely crunch and festive look.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. Chilling helps it hold its shape and melds the flavors together beautifully.
- When you’re ready to serve, just unwrap it and place it on your favorite platter. You’re all set for a delicious holiday treat!
Tips for Success
To make sure your *Christmas cheese ball* turns out perfectly, here are a few of my favorite tips! First, always use softened cream cheese; it makes mixing a breeze and ensures a smooth texture. If you want to get creative, feel free to add in your favorite herbs or spices, like a pinch of dill or some smoked paprika for an extra kick. And don’t forget about serving! I love pairing it with an assortment of crackers, fresh veggies, or even slices of baguette. It adds a beautiful and festive touch to your holiday spread!
Nutritional Information for Christmas Cheese Ball
Now, let’s talk numbers! This *Christmas cheese ball* is not only delicious but also fairly manageable in terms of nutrition. Here’s the estimated breakdown per serving (1 ounce):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients you use. It’s always nice to know what you’re putting on your holiday table, but trust me, the joy of sharing this cheese ball with loved ones far outweighs the numbers!
FAQ About Christmas Cheese Ball
How long can I store the Christmas cheese ball?
You can store your *Christmas cheese ball* in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s well-wrapped to keep it fresh and flavorful. If you notice any leftovers after your holiday gathering, don’t worry, it’ll still be delicious for a few days!
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, I highly recommend making your *Christmas cheese ball* a day or two in advance. This gives it plenty of time to chill and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap after shaping and coating, then pop it in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just unwrap and enjoy the compliments!
What can I substitute for pecans?
If you’re not a fan of pecans or simply want to mix things up, there are plenty of tasty alternatives! Chopped walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts work great. You could also skip the nuts entirely and roll the cheese ball in fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a different twist. The options are endless—get creative!
Serving Suggestions for Christmas Cheese Ball
Now that your *Christmas cheese ball* is ready to shine, let’s talk about how to serve it up! I love placing it on a beautiful platter surrounded by an assortment of crispy crackers—think water crackers, whole grain, or even buttery Ritz for that perfect crunch. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or bell pepper strips add a nice pop of color and a refreshing crunch. And if you want to get a little fancy, serve it with slices of a warm baguette or toasted bread. Trust me, the combination of flavors and textures will have everyone coming back for more!
Imprimer
Christmas Cheese Ball: 15 Minutes to Festive Delight
- Temps Total: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 12 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A festive cheese ball perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingrédients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until well combined.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Cover the cheese ball with chopped pecans and cranberries.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Serve with crackers or vegetables.
Notes
- Use softened cream cheese for easier mixing.
- Chill the cheese ball for better shape.
- Customize with your favorite herbs or spices.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 0 minutes
- Catégorie: Appetizer
- Méthode: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 ounce
- Calories: 120
- Sucre: 1 g
- De Sodium: 150 mg
- La graisse: 10 g
- Graisses Saturées: 5 g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3 g
- Les Gras Trans: 0 g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 3 g
- La fibre: 0 g
- La protéine: 5 g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30 mg
Mots-clés: christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese spread
