Description
A festive blend of creamy cheese, tart cranberries, and crunchy walnuts that perfectly embodies the spirit of the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
- 1–2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Finely chop the fresh cranberries and walnuts to a consistent size.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth.
- Stir in cranberries, walnuts, garlic, herbs, and seasonings. Taste and adjust spices if necessary.
- Scoop out the mixture and roll it into bite-sized balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray.
- Roll each cheese ball in a mixture of chopped cranberries and walnuts for a festive finish.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 60 minutes before serving.
- Serve on a platter with crackers, vegetables, or sliced baguette, optionally garnished with a rosemary sprig.
Notes
For a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese. Dried cranberries can substitute fresh, just soak them to rehydrate.
- Prep Time: 15
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cheese balls, holiday appetizer, cranberry, walnut, festive recipes