Maureen's Festive Cheese Ball

Make your holiday gatherings unforgettable with Maureen's Festive Cheese Ball, a showstopping appetizer that combines creamy decadence with a burst of sweet and savory flavors. Made with velvety cream cheese and sharp cheddar, this easy-to-make party favorite is elevated with touches of Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, tangy dried cranberries, and fresh green onions. Each bite is a delightful mix of creamy and crunchy, thanks to its pecan-studded exterior, with an optional garnish of fresh parsley for added vibrance. Perfectly paired with a variety of crackers, this cheese ball comes together in just 20 minutes of prep time and is ideal for holiday parties, game nights, or casual get-togethers. Impress your guests with this flavorful, eye-catching appetizer that’s as simple as it is festive!

Nutriscore Rating: 47/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:20 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 16 oz Cream cheese
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 2 pieces Green onions, finely chopped
• 0.5 cup Dried cranberries, finely chopped
• 1 cup Pecans, finely chopped
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
• 1 box Assorted crackers

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well incorporated using a hand mixer or spatula.

Step 2

Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir to combine.

Step 3

Fold in the green onions and dried cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4

Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to make it easier to shape.

Step 5

Once chilled, remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator and use your hands to shape it into a ball.

Step 6

Place the chopped pecans on a large plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to ensure the nuts adhere evenly to the surface.

Step 7

If desired, sprinkle the cheese ball with finely chopped parsley for added color and freshness.

Step 8

Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and surround it with assorted crackers.

Step 9

Refrigerate until ready to serve, but allow it to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1163.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4722.3

Total Fat 365.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 158.6g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.7g
Cholesterol 698.1mg	0%
Sodium 5674.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 282.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.1g	0%
Total Sugars 90.0g
Protein 111.6g	0%

Vitamin D 48.0IU	0%
Calcium 2254.7mg	0%
Iron 10.9mg	0%
Potassium 1814.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.6%

Protein: 9.2%

Carbs: 23.3%