Christmas Cranberry and Nut Cheeseballs Recipe
Our festive cranberry and nut cheeseballs make for a delightful appetizer during the holiday season. Combining cream cheese, dried cranberries, and a variety of nuts, they offer a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
This recipe is simple to prepare and can be made ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy more time with your guests. Serve them with crackers or fresh fruit for a delicious holiday treat.
Festive Presentation
Creating a visually appealing platter is essential for any holiday gathering. The vibrant red of the cranberries paired with the green herbs creates a striking contrast that draws attention.
Arrange the cheeseballs in a circular pattern or in clusters for a more dynamic look. Surround them with fresh herbs like parsley or rosemary to enhance the festive feel.
Incorporating decorative elements such as twinkling lights or ornaments in the background can elevate the overall presentation, making it a centerpiece that guests will admire.
Flavor Profile
The combination of cream cheese and dried cranberries offers a delightful balance of creamy and tart flavors. This is complemented by the crunch of the nuts, which adds texture and depth.
Seasoning with garlic and onion powder introduces savory notes, making these cheeseballs a perfect appetizer. The variety of nuts used for coating not only enhances the flavor but also provides a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Preparation Tips
Preparing these cheeseballs is straightforward and can be done in just 15 minutes. Start by mixing the softened cream cheese with the cranberries and nuts until well combined.
Forming the balls can be a fun activity, and rolling them in the additional chopped nuts adds a festive touch. Chilling them for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
These cheeseballs are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Crackers are a classic choice, providing a crunchy base that pairs well with the creamy cheeseballs.
Fresh fruit, such as apple slices or grapes, can also complement the flavors, adding a refreshing sweetness. Consider offering a selection of both to cater to different tastes.
Perfect for Gatherings
These cranberry and nut cheeseballs are ideal for holiday parties, family gatherings, or even as a snack during cozy nights in. Their bite-sized nature makes them easy to enjoy while mingling.
With the ability to prepare them ahead of time, you can focus on enjoying the company of your guests rather than spending all your time in the kitchen.
Nutrition Information
Each cheeseball contains approximately 120 calories, making them a guilt-free indulgence during the festive season. With a good balance of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, they can be a satisfying addition to your holiday spread.
Offering a mix of flavors and textures, these cheeseballs are not only delicious but also provide a nutritious option for your guests to enjoy.
Easy Cranberry and Nut Cheeseballs Recipe
These cheeseballs are made with a creamy cheese base mixed with tart cranberries and crunchy nuts, rolled into bite-sized balls, and coated in additional nuts for a festive touch. The recipe yields about 12 cheeseballs, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1/2 cup nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup additional chopped nuts for coating
Instructions
- Mix the Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped cranberries, nuts, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Form the Balls: Using your hands, scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Coat the Cheeseballs: Roll each cheeseball in the additional chopped nuts until fully coated.
- Chill: Place the cheeseballs on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Arrange the cheeseballs on a platter with crackers or fresh fruit for dipping.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 12 cheeseballs
- Calories: 120kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
