Holly Jolly Holiday Cheese Ball
Recipe Introduction
Craving Something Festive?
Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, wondering what to bring to the party? I’ve been there. Honestly, sometimes I just grab a bottle of wine.
But if you want something homemade that’s also a total crowd pleaser, let me introduce you to my Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for holiday gatherings.
This isn’t just any cheese ball; it's the kind of appetizer people actually fight over.
From Humble Beginnings to Holiday Staple
The humble cream cheese ball has been around for ages, a true make-ahead holiday appetizer . It has roots deep in American party culture, you know? This version is elevated, adding a modern twist.
It is still a really quick and easy cheese ball recipe . We’re talking minimal effort, maximum flavour! This recipe makes enough for 10-12 servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Or, you know, keeping to yourself. No judgement here!
Why You'll Love This Festive Appetizer
This holiday cheese ball isn't just delicious. It’s packed with good stuff! It’s got protein from the cheese and healthy fats from the pecans.
It's the perfect addition to your Festive Appetizer Recipes at a Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe or even a New Year's Eve Cheese Ball bash! What makes this recipe special? The textures ! The creamy cheese, the crunchy pecans, the chewy cranberries.
.. it's a party in your mouth! Oh my gosh.
Ready to get started? Let’s talk ingredients.
Time to Gather Your Ingredients
To make this Holly Jolly Holiday Cheese Ball you're going to need cream cheese, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, blue cheese (optional), mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic, chives, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, pecans, dried cranberries and fresh rosemary.
Okay, so you wanna make a Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for your next party? Brilliant! It's way easier than it looks, honestly.
Plus, it always goes down a treat. Let's get down to brass tacks, shall we? Here's what you'll need.
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Party Started!
Alright, let's talk ingredients. This isn’t rocket science, but using good stuff makes a HUGE difference. We’re after that "elevated comfort" vibe.
Main Ingredients: The Cheese Dream Team
- Cream Cheese: You'll want 8 ounces (225g) of the full fat stuff. Seriously . low-fat just doesn't cut it here. Make sure it's nice and soft, otherwise you'll have lumps. Leave it out for a good hour.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grab 4 ounces (115g), shredded. A good quality mature cheddar is ideal.
- Monterey Jack Cheese: Another 4 ounces (115g), shredded. This adds a nice mildness.
- Blue Cheese (Optional): About 2 ounces (55g), crumbled. This is only if you're feeling fancy .
- Mayo: 1/4 cup (60ml) of mayonnaise.
- Sour Cream: 2 tablespoons (30ml).
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
- Fresh Chives: 2 tablespoons , chopped.
- Fresh Parsley: 1 tablespoon , chopped.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, you know?
- Onion Powder: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Cayenne Pepper (Optional): A pinch for a little zing .
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Coating: The Festive Fireworks
This is where the magic really happens!
- Pecans: 1 cup (115g), toasted and finely chopped. Toasting is key ! It brings out the flavor.
- Dried Cranberries: 1/2 cup (55g), finely chopped. These bring the festive cheer. Hello Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe
- Fresh Rosemary: 1/4 cup (30g), finely chopped. That piney aroma just screams holidays .
Seasoning Notes: Flavor Town!
- Herbs: Fresh chives and parsley are non-negotiable, seriously. They add so much freshness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This is my secret weapon. Just a splash adds depth .
- Spices: A touch of onion powder and cayenne (if you're brave!) makes all the difference. You get it?
- Quick Swap: Don't have chives? Green onions work too!
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
- Mixing bowls (medium and large). One for mixing, one for… eating? Just kidding!
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer). Totally optional, but it saves your arms.
- Spatula.
- Plastic wrap.
- Cutting board.
- Sharp knife.
- Toasting pan.
Honestly, that's it. You don't need a fancy chef's knife or a stand mixer to make a cracking Quick And Easy Cheese Ball Recipe .
This recipe delivers that Holiday Cheese . And the best thing? It is a great make-ahead Holiday Appetizer . It's an Easy Cheese Ball for Party .
I've made this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball so many times, you have no idea. Once, I accidentally used salted butter instead of unsalted, big mistake .
The whole thing was way too salty, Here are some essential you'll want to naturally incorporate so trust me on the softened cream cheese thing.
Now, let's move onto making the cheese ball, shall we?
Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for: Easy Festive Appetizer Recipes
Honestly, nothing screams the holidays quite like a festive cheese ball recipe for your next party! It is the perfect Holiday Cheese , really.
It’s dead easy to make, looks super impressive and everyone, I mean everyone , loves a good cream cheese ball .
And this one? This Holly Jolly Holiday Cheese Ball is next level amazing. Think of this as the Easy Cheese Ball for Party , taken up a notch.
It's not your average boring cheese ball.
I remember the first time I tried making one. Oh my gosh, it was a disaster! The cream cheese wasn't soft enough, and it ended up looking like a lumpy mess.
But fear not, I've learned from my mistakes, and now I'm here to share my perfected recipe.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
Alright, first things first: getting your ducks in a row! This is the essential mise en place. Soften 8 ounces of cream cheese at room temperature for at least an hour.
Shred your 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese and 4 ounces Monterey Jack . Crumble 2 ounces blue cheese if you’re feeling fancy! Chop 1 cup pecans , 1/2 cup dried cranberries , and 1/4 cup fresh rosemary .
Seriously, pre-chopping is a game changer. It’s a time saving organization tip.
A quick safety reminder: wash your hands before you start!
step-by-step: The Rolling Stone
- In a bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it’s smooth.
- Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Mix in 1/4 cup mayonnaise , 2 tablespoons sour cream , 2 cloves minced garlic , 2 tablespoons chopped chives , 1 tablespoon parsley , 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce , 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and a pinch of cayenne.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Wrap the cheese mixture tightly in plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball.
- Chill for at least 1- 2 hours .
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in the pecan cranberry-rosemary mixture.
- Chill again for 15- 30 minutes .
Pro Tips: Elevated Comfort
- Toast the pecans for a richer, nuttier flavor. Toast in the oven at 350° F for about 5- 7 minutes . This is an expert technique.
- Avoid over mixing. Over mixing can make the cheese ball tough, which is a common mistake.
- You can make this Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe up to 2 days ahead. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge. This is your make-ahead holiday appetizer.
Honestly, this Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball is the perfect New Year’s Eve Cheese Ball . Serve with your favorite cheese ball with crackers . Elevate your festive spread with this absolute winner!
Recipe Notes for Your Festive Cheese Ball
Okay, you've got the recipe for the Holly Jolly Holiday Cheese Ball . Now let's chat about some extra bits and bobs to make sure yours is absolutely banging.
Honestly, these tips can elevate your Quick And Easy Cheese Ball Recipe to legendary status.
Serving Like a Pro: Plating and Presentation
Right, so how do you make this Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe look fab? First off, don't just plonk it on a plate.
Think about the colours! A wooden board looks rustic. Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs or a few cranberries.
I love surrounding the Easy Cheese Ball for Party with different crackers. You know, those fancy ones from Waitrose. Some baguette slices and crudités also work a treat.
Remember, people eat with their eyes first, innit?
For drinks, a glass of bubbly or a nice mulled wine is perfect. If you're after something non-alcoholic, sparkling cranberry juice does the trick.
Storage Sorted: Keepin' it Fresh
So, you've made your epic Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball . What next? If you're not serving it straight away, wrap it tight in cling film.
Bung it in the fridge. It'll happily chill for up to 2 days. Just don't let the dog get to it!
Freezing is a bit of a no-no. The texture might change, and nobody wants a soggy Cream Cheese Ball .
To reheat, just take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving. This lets it soften up a bit.
Remix Time: Variations for Everyone
Got some fussy eaters coming? No worries! Fancy a Spicy Cheese Ball ? Add some red pepper flakes or a bit of pepper jack cheese to the cheese mixture.
Vegetarian? No problem! Use vegan cream cheese and vegan cheddar. Sorted!
Why not make a Mediterranean Cheese Ball using feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives? Proper gourmet, that is.
Nutrition Nitty Gritty
Okay, let's keep this simple. Each serving of this Holiday Cheese will have around 320 calories. You'll get about 12g of protein, 25g of fat, and 10g of carbs.
There's also a bit of fiber and some sugars. All estimates, obvs, since it depends on what ingredients you use! The Holiday Cheese is high in calcium from the cheeses.
Good for strong bones, that is!
So there you have it! Loads of ideas for your Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for any occasion. Now go make something amazing! You got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for a party ahead of time? I'm a bit of a Mary Berry, wanting to get organised!
Absolutely! This cheese ball is a fantastic make-ahead appetizer. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it, giving you more time to focus on other party preparations.
What if I don't have pecans? What are some good substitutes for the Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for coating?
No pecans? No worries! Walnuts or almonds are great substitutes that offer a similar crunch and nutty flavor. You could also try using sunflower seeds or even a mix of toasted breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese for a more savory twist. Get creative think "Great British Baking Show" level improvisation!
My cream cheese is still a bit lumpy, even after softening. Help! Will it ruin the Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for my Christmas do?
Lumpy cream cheese can be a pain, but don't panic! Give the cream cheese another go with the mixer or a sturdy spoon, ensuring it's at proper room temperature. If lumps persist, try adding a tablespoon of milk or cream and mixing again that should smooth things out.
No one wants a lumpy cheese ball at their party!
How long will the Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for keep in the fridge, and how should I store it?
The cheese ball will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing other flavors. For longer storage, you can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing it's best enjoyed fresh or within a few days!
I'm watching my waistline a bit are there any healthier variations I can make to this Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for without sacrificing flavor?
Definitely! You can lighten it up by using light cream cheese and low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Increasing the amount of fresh herbs and reducing the amount of cheese will help without compromising flavour. Serve with plenty of vegetable crudités alongside crackers to encourage a more balanced snack.
Can I make a smaller Festive Cheese Ball Recipe for just a few people? The recipe seems like a lot!
Of course! Simply halve or quarter the ingredient quantities to adjust the recipe to your desired serving size. Keep in mind that chilling time might need to be adjusted slightly for a smaller cheese ball. It's all about scaling down the Christmas cheer!
Holly Jolly Holiday Cheese Ball
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 320 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 2g |
