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Cozy Whipped Cranberry Feta Cheese Ball – Easy Holiday Appetizer

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A light and airy whipped cheese ball with tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and crunchy pecans. This easy holiday appetizer comes together in just 10 minutes and is perfect for stress-free entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) feta cheese, crumbled (preferably from a block packed in brine)
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans, plus more for rolling
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For serving: crackers, apple slices, pear slices

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge 30 minutes before starting. It should be soft enough to press a finger into easily.
  2. Toast the pecans (optional but recommended): Add 1/2 cup chopped pecans to a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a plate to cool completely.
  3. Chop the cranberries and herbs: Roughly chop dried cranberries into smaller pieces. Finely chop chives and parsley. Set aside.
  4. Combine in food processor: Add softened cream cheese and crumbled feta to food processor bowl. Pulse a few times, then process continuously for 30 seconds. Scrape down sides, then process another 30 seconds until smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  5. Add the mix-ins: Add chopped cranberries, toasted pecans, chives, parsley, and garlic powder. Pulse 4-5 times to combine. Do not over-process; you want visible flecks of cranberries and nuts.
  6. Season and taste: Add a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper if needed. Pulse once more to incorporate.
  7. Shape the cheese ball: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap. Scrape cheese mixture onto center. Gather edges of plastic wrap and twist to form a tight ball. Use hands through plastic to shape into a smooth round ball. Twist plastic wrap tightly to secure.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours or overnight, for flavors to meld and texture to set.
  9. Prepare the coating: About 10 minutes before serving, combine 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans with 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried cranberries in a shallow dish. Add 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley if desired.
  10. Roll and serve: Unwrap chilled cheese ball and gently roll in pecan-cranberry mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Transfer to serving platter and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving for perfect spreadability.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling step—it’s crucial for the cheese ball to hold its shape. For best results, make 1-2 days ahead and roll in coating just before serving. If you don’t have a food processor, use a stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer, beating for 3-4 minutes until fluffy. Serve slightly chilled but not ice cold; let sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: whipped cheese ball, cranberry feta cheese ball, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, make-ahead appetizer, Christmas appetizer, New Year's Eve appetizer

Find it online: https://willarecipes.com/cozy-whipped-cranberry-feta-cheese-ball-easy-holiday-appetizer/