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+ servings
Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball

Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball: The Holiday Appetizer You Need

Juicy Christmas Cheese Ball is a creamy and tangy holiday appetizer that impresses guests with its festive look and crunch.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Cooling Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 8 balls
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

For the Cheese Base
  • 8 oz Goat Cheese Substitute with cream cheese for a milder taste or dairy-free cream cheese for a vegan option.
For the Pecan Coating
  • 1 cup Pecans Substitute with walnuts or almonds, toasted for extra flavor.
  • 2 tbsp Brown Sugar No direct substitution, adjust sweetness if using less tart dried fruit.
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon Optional for a simpler taste.
For the Sweet Addition
  • 1/2 cup Dried Cranberries Can be swapped with dried cherries or chopped dried apricots.
  • 1/4 cup Parsley Optional to omit if desired.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • food processor
  • plate
  • knife
  • parchment paper

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cut the goat cheese into 8 to 10 equal discs, about an inch thick. Set aside to soften at room temperature.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir for about 5 minutes until pecans are golden brown and fragrant.
  3. Pour the pecan mixture onto parchment paper to cool and harden for 10 to 15 minutes.
  4. Chop and crush the cooled pecan mixture into fine pieces for a crumbly consistency.
  5. Mix the minced pecans with chopped dried cranberries and parsley on a large plate.
  6. Roll each softened cheese disc in the pecan mixture until fully covered, forming a compact ball shape.
  7. Optional: Insert a pretzel stick into the center of each cheese ball for easy serving.
  8. Serve the Juicy Christmas Cheese Balls on a platter with assorted crackers and fresh vegetable sticks.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cheese ballCalories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 100mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Make-ahead: Prepare cheese balls a day in advance and refrigerate. Allow to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

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