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A cheeseball covered in dried cranberries and pecans with rosemary sprigs on it.
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Christmas Cheeseball

This festive Christmas Cheeseball is so delicious served as an appetizer at a Holiday gathering or party. A creamy cheeseball with cream cheese, seasonings, cheddar cheese, and green onions gets covered in pecans and cranberries for a festive look. Decorate with fresh sprigs of rosemary and serve with a variety of crackers. 
Course Appetizer, Christmas
Cuisine American
Keyword christmas cheeseball
Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 10
Calories 231kcal
Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

Cheeseball

  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 1 block (8 oz) medium cheddar cheese shredded
  • teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions

For Rolling

  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
  • fresh rosemary sprigs optional

Instructions

  • Prep : Set the cream cheese out at room temperature for at least 60 minutes before making the cheeseball so it can soften.
    Shred the block of cheese with a cheese grater so it's ready to go.
  • Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese into a medium mixing bowl. Use an electric hand mixer to blend until combined.
    How to make this cheeseball recipe with step by step process photos.
  • Add in the Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Blend until combined.
    How to make this cheeseball recipe with step by step process photos.
  • Stir in the chopped green onions and mix just until combined. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to form it into a ball.
  • Wrap the cheeseball in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
    How to make this cheeseball recipe with step by step process photos.
  • Once chilled, unwrap the cheeseball and roll it in the dried cranberries, pecans, and green onions. Add sprigs of fresh rosemary if wanted.
    Serve with a variety of crackers on a serving platter.
    How to make this cheeseball recipe with step by step process photos.

Notes

How to Store Cheeseballs : You can keep this cheeseball in the fridge, for up to 2 weeks, wrapped tightly in both plastic wrap first and then aluminum foil. Leftovers will last for 2 weeks in the fridge and you can also make it ahead of time and leave it in the fridge for company, or a quick appetizer for a gathering. 
If storing the cheeseball in the fridge (for future use) do not add the topping on until before serving it and double wrap the cheeseball in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to protect it well. 
Recipe Tips
  • Cream Cheese : For best results and texture, use full-fat cream cheese and not the reduced-fat cream cheese. There is more water in the lite cream cheese which makes it thinner and not as flavorful. In a recipe like a cheese ball, where the cream cheese is the star, you want to make sure that you are using a full-fat, good quality version of it. I love the Philadelphia brand cream cheese!
  • Make This Cheeseball Ahead of Time : This cheeseball will store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks! Wait to roll the cheeseball in the pecans and cranberries until right before serving. Also, make sure the cheeseball (without the toppings on it) is wrapped in plastic wrap and then wrapped again in foil if storing for a longer period of time in the fridge. When company comes or you just need an appetizer quick, it will be ready to go!
  • Cheddar Cheese : I know it's so much easier to just buy the bag of already shredded cheese at the store. But don't do it! Please. Buy a small block of cheddar cheese and grate it yourself on a cheese grater. It will be worth it, promise. I prefer medium cheddar cheese in this cheeseball but you can also use mild or sharp cheddar, or even extra sharp cheddar if that's your preference. 
  • Fridge Time : Plan ahead because this cheeseball needs at least 2 hours of fridge time before rolling it in the toppings and serving it. Without the refrigeration time the cheeseball will be too sticky to roll it in anything.

Nutrition

Calories: 231kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 46mg | Sodium: 261mg | Potassium: 95mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 585IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 0.3mg