Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball Recipe

Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball is very a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer.  A cheese ball is a classic appetizer to take to any gathering, and it’s so easy to make.  It is one of those festive spreads that is a hit during the winter holidays.  Excellent served with either crackers or vegetables.

This Cheese Ball is always popular at Thanksgiving and Christmas because everyone expects cranberries on the table.  Cranberry holiday spread is an easy-to-make appetizer that you can make ahead and store in the refrigerator until party time.  Many people I know use canned cranberries for the holidays.  I am here to tell you fresh cranberries are not only better tasting but really easy to make.  This recipe calls for dried cranberries, but try making them fresh as well.  I really like to make delicious snacks and appetizers during the holidays.

 

Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball Recipe:
Prep Time
20 mins
Chilling Time
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 20 mins
 
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cranberry Holiday Cheese Ball Recipe
Ingredients
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened*
  • 2 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon sugar, granulated
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Zest (rind) of 1 orange
  • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or craisins, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup pecans or walnuts, finely chopped
Instructions
  1. In a medium-size bowl, beat together the cream cheese, orange juice concentrate, sugar, and cinnamon until smooth and fluffy.  Stir in the orange zest, dried cranberries, and pecans.

  2. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

  3. Serve with crackers of your choice.

  4. Makes 1 1/2 cups.

  5. Variation Idea:  Can be rolled into a log or ball and coated with additional chopped pecans or walnuts before refrigerating.

Recipe Notes

* Fat-free or low-fat cream cream cheese may be substituted.  Soften cream cheese in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.

** You could substitute any type of nuts of your choice.

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