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Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball

Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball: A Festive Delight You’ll Love

Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive appetizer that's creamy, crunchy, and full of flavor, perfect for holiday gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Base
  • 8-10 discs Goat Cheese Use cream cheese for a milder flavor or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
For the Coating
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Plant-based butter works perfectly for vegan adaptations.
  • 1 cup Pecans Walnuts or almonds can be used; just be sure to toast them for enhanced flavor.
  • 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Dried cherries or chopped dried apricots can add a different twist.
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley
Optional
  • as needed Pretzel Sticks These are perfect for easy serving and a fun touch.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • sharp knife
  • Rolling Pin
  • Medium-sized bowl
  • large plate

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Remove the goat cheese from its wrapper and cut it into 8 to 10 even discs. Set aside to soften slightly at room temperature.
  2. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat, add chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir for about 5 minutes until fragrant and lightly toasted.
  3. Transfer the pecan mixture to parchment paper, spread in an even layer, and let cool for about 10–15 minutes.
  4. Crush the cooled pecan mixture into a fine crumb using a rolling pin or a heavy object.
  5. In a large plate, mix finely chopped cranberries, crushed pecans, and chopped parsley to ensure a blend of flavors.
  6. Press each goat cheese disc into the pecan mixture until evenly coated, then roll into a ball shape.
  7. Insert a pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball for decoration and easy serving.
  8. Chill the cheese balls in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve with an assortment of crackers and fresh vegetables.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cheese ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 20mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 150IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 60mgIron: 0.5mg

Notes

Choose quality goat cheese for a rich texture. Toast nuts until fragrant and chill cheese balls to maintain shape.

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