homemade Cranberry Cheese Ball

November, 5th 2023

2018 Was the year I created this beautiful appetizer for my family. Since then I couldn’t wait to share my Signature Cranberry Cheese Ball every holiday season! As the holiday season approaches, the anticipation of joyful gatherings and delicious feasts fills the air. In my opinion, one culinary delight that embodies the spirit of these celebrations is the Cranberry Cheeseball. Of course, most recipes call for pecan, walnuts etc…I find crushed pretzels to be a perfect substitute. I hope you enjoy it!

Embracing Nut-Free Recipes

We live in a world where dietary preferences and allergies vary widely, the absence of nuts in a Cranberry Cheese ball broadens its appeal. By excluding nuts, this delectable appetizer becomes accessible to individuals with nut allergies, ensuring everyone can partake in the holiday cheer without concern for allergic reactions. Its inclusivity is a testament to the true essence of the holiday season – bringing people together, irrespective of dietary restrictions.

A Symphony of Flavors

Cranberries are a classic holiday ingredient, bringing a sweet and tart essence to the Cheese ball. Paired with the creamy richness of cheese and various seasonings, it creates a beautiful blend of flavors that dance on the taste buds. The absence of nuts allows these flavors to shine brighter, without competing with or overpowering the palate, offering a delightful experience with every bite.

Be Creative

What sets the nut-free Cranberry Cheese ball apart is its versatility and ease of preparation. It’s versatile and can be crafted with different types of cheeses, herbs, and seasonings to suit various tastes. Its simplicity in preparation allows hosts to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities with their guests.

ingredients & Substitutions

Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing it with the other ingredients. Goat cheese would also be a delicious substitute for cream cheese.

Cheese: I preferred the cheese ball with cheddar cheese. However, you could use a different kind of cheese.

Cranberries: Look for dried cranberries (also known as craisins). You will use half to add to the ball of cheese with the other half for rolling the cheese ball.

Servings

10 or more

Ready In:

15 mins

# of Ingredients:

6

Good For:

Appitizer/Snack

ingredients

 16oz packages Cream Cheese

1 cup Dried cranberries (Chopped)

1/2 cup Green onions (Chopped)

1 cup (4oz) Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Outside Coating:

1/3 cup Dried cranberries (chopped)

1/3 cup Italian Parsley (Finely Chop)

1/4 cup Pretzels (chopped)

Note: Serve Immediately!!! DO NOT leave inside the refrigerator overnight. The Pretzels will soften (yuck)

Instructions

  1. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the dried cranberries and green onions. Add cheese and mix until everything is well blended.
  2. For this part, you can use your hands with gloves OR parchment paper to shape your mixture into a ball.
  3. Combine coating ingredients onto a large plate. Roll the ball into the coating ingredients until covered completely. Serve immediately with crackers.