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Homemade Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry photo

Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry

This Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive delight! A creamy blend of cheeses with zesty orange and tart cranberries, perfect for holiday gatherings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Ball:
  • 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
  • 1 large orange zest of

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Rubber spatula
  • Plastic wrap
  • Serving Platter
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

Instructions:
  1. Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients. Start by assembling all your ingredients on your countertop. This will make the preparation process smoother and more enjoyable.
  2. 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.
  3. Step 3: Add Flavorings. Stir in the freshly-squeezed lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Add Dried Cranberries. Mix in the dried cranberries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.