There’s something undeniably festive about a cheese ball sitting on a platter, surrounded by an array of crackers and fresh veggies. It’s the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings, and this Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry is sure to impress your guests. Combining the tangy flavor of cream cheese and goat cheese with the sweet and tart notes of orange and cranberry, it offers a delightful balance that’s both savory and sweet. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the festivities and less time in the kitchen.
Why This Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
This cheese ball is a fantastic addition to your holiday repertoire for several reasons. First, it’s a crowd-pleaser, with flavors that appeal to a wide range of palates. The combination of creamy cheeses, zesty orange, and chewy cranberries creates a delightful taste experience. Second, it’s visually stunning, making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday table. Lastly, it can be made ahead of time, allowing you to prepare in advance and enjoy the party stress-free.
Ingredient List
- 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- 8 ounces goat cheese (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon freshly-squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/3 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest
- 1 tablespoon sweet orange marmalade
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 3.5 ounces honey roasted pecans
- Zest of 1 large orange
What You’ll Need (Gear)
- Mixing Bowls: For combining your cheese and ingredients.
- Rubber Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix everything well.
- Plastic Wrap: For shaping and chilling the cheese ball.
- Serving Platter: To showcase your cheese ball beautifully.
- Cheese Grater: For shredding the cheddar cheese.
Build Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry Step by Step
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Start by assembling all your ingredients on your countertop. This will make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.
Step 2: Mix the Cheeses
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and goat cheese. Using a rubber spatula, mix the cheeses until they are well blended and creamy.
Step 3: Add Flavorings
Stir in the freshly-squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheddar
Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, minced chives, fresh orange zest, and sweet orange marmalade. This will bring in the flavors that make this cheese ball festive and delicious.
Step 5: Add Dried Cranberries
Mix in the dried cranberries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Step 6: Shape the Cheese Ball
Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
Step 7: Prepare the Coating
While the cheese ball is chilling, finely chop the honey roasted pecans and zest of the large orange. This will be used to coat the outside of the cheese ball.
Step 8: Coat the Cheese Ball
Once the cheese ball is chilled and firm, remove it from the plastic wrap. Roll it in the chopped pecans and orange zest until it is evenly coated.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and surround it with crackers, fresh veggies, or fruit. Your Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry is now ready to be enjoyed!
Better-for-You Options
- For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and goat cheese.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese for added protein.
- Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce sugar content.
- Opt for raw pecans instead of honey roasted for a less sugary option.
Things That Go Wrong
- Too Soft: If your cheese ball is too soft, it may need more time in the refrigerator to firm up. Consider adding more shredded cheese for structure.
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix your ingredients, which can lead to a dense texture rather than a creamy one.
- Uneven Coating: To ensure an even coating of nuts, press gently as you roll the cheese ball.
- Flavor Imbalance: Adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially the salt and Worcestershire sauce, to avoid overpowering flavors.
Best Ways to Store
To keep your cheese ball fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It can last up to a week. If you want to make it ahead of time, prepare it and roll it in nuts just before serving. For longer storage, you can freeze the cheese ball for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Common Qs About Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A creamy blue cheese or a sharp gouda would add unique flavors to your cheese ball.
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes! This cheese ball can be made up to a week in advance. Just store it tightly wrapped in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with the cheese ball?
It pairs wonderfully with crackers, baguette slices, fresh vegetable sticks, and even apple slices for a sweet contrast.
Can I add more ingredients to the cheese ball?
Certainly! Feel free to get creative by adding herbs, spices, or different types of nuts to customize your cheese ball to your liking.
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Hungry for More?
If you enjoyed this cheese ball recipe, be sure to check out other delightful holiday recipes that will elevate your festive gatherings. From savory appetizers to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy, ensuring your holiday menu is as loaded with flavor as it is with love.
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Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients. Start by assembling all your ingredients on your countertop. This will make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Step 2: Mix the Cheeses. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and goat cheese. Using a rubber spatula, mix the cheeses until they are well blended and creamy.
- Step 3: Add Flavorings. Stir in the freshly-squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Step 4: Incorporate the Cheddar. Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, minced chives, fresh orange zest, and sweet orange marmalade. This will bring in the flavors that make this cheese ball festive and delicious.
- Step 5: Add Dried Cranberries. Mix in the dried cranberries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Step 6: Shape the Cheese Ball. Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your countertop. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
- Step 7: Prepare the Coating. While the cheese ball is chilling, finely chop the honey roasted pecans and zest of the large orange. This will be used to coat the outside of the cheese ball.
- Step 8: Coat the Cheese Ball. Once the cheese ball is chilled and firm, remove it from the plastic wrap. Roll it in the chopped pecans and orange zest until it is evenly coated.
- Step 9: Serve and Enjoy. Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and surround it with crackers, fresh veggies, or fruit. Your Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry is now ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and goat cheese.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese for added protein.
- Use unsweetened dried cranberries to reduce sugar content.
