Christmas Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls Recipe
A festive and flavorful Christmas Cranberry Walnut Cheese Balls recipe combining creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, tart dried cranberries, and crunchy walnuts. These cheese balls are perfect for holiday entertaining, coated in a colorful blend of cranberries, walnuts, and fresh parsley for an eye-catching appetizer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 3 cheese balls (serves 8 to 12) 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing and chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup walnuts, chopped
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Coating
- ¼ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped cranberries, walnuts, green onions, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until you achieve a creamy, well-combined mixture.
- Shape into Balls: Divide the cheese mixture into 2 to 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into round balls using your hands. Wrap each cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap to help them hold their shape.
- Chill the Cheese Balls: Place the wrapped cheese balls in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour. This step firms up the mixture and makes rolling in the coating easier.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the chopped dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, and fresh parsley. This mixture adds festive color and crunchy texture to the cheese balls.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Remove the cheese balls from the refrigerator and unwrap. Roll each ball gently but firmly in the coating mixture until fully covered and the toppings adhere well.
- Serve and Enjoy: Arrange the coated cheese balls on a serving platter. Serve with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful holiday appetizer.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, use cream cheese at room temperature.
- Feel free to substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- The cheese balls can be made up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated.
- To soften the dried cranberries for coating, soak them briefly in warm water and drain before chopping.
- These cheese balls freeze well wrapped tightly, but for best texture serve fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball (approx. 100g)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cheese ball, cranberry walnut cheese ball, holiday recipe, festive appetizer, cream cheese ball
