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Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry

Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry

The ultimate appetizer for the holiday season! This Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe with Orange and Cranberry combines creamy cheeses, tart cranberries, and zesty orange for a flavor explosion. Perfect for gatherings, this easy recipe will impress everyone at your table!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 8 ounces goat cheese room temperature
  • 1½ tablespoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice
  • 1½ 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
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries
  • 4 ounces dried cranberries
  • 3.5 ounces Honey Roasted Pecans
  • 1 Zest of 1 large orange

Equipment

  • Baking Sheet
  • Food Processor
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

  1. In the bowl of a food processor, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper. Process for about 30 seconds or until the mixture is smooth. You should see a creamy consistency forming, with no lumps remaining.
  2. Add in the sharp cheddar cheese, chives, orange zest, orange marmalade, dried cranberries, and process again until everything is fully incorporated. The mixture should be smooth, with vibrant flecks of color from the chives and cranberries.
  3. Transfer the cheese mixture to the center of a large piece of plastic wrap placed on a clean work surface. This is where you’ll shape your cheese ball! Be sure to gather all the mixture into a tight mound in the center.
  4. Carefully pick up the edges of the plastic wrap and start to shape the cheese into a ball. Use the plastic wrap to help mold it without getting your hands too messy. Once formed, twist the plastic wrap to enclose the cheese ball completely.
  5. Set the wrapped cheese ball in a bowl with the twisted part on top. This will help keep its shape while it chills. Place it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or until it's firm. You can even make it up to three days ahead of your gathering!
  6. 30 minutes before you plan to serve the cheese ball, remove it from the fridge. This allows it to soften slightly, making it easier to roll in the topping mixture later.
  7. Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in a mixture of Honey Roasted Pecans and any remaining dried cranberries. Press gently as you work your way around the ball to ensure the toppings adhere nicely.
  8. At this point, your cheese ball is ready to serve! If you’re not serving it immediately, you can loosely cover it and return it to the fridge.
  9. Before serving, allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps the flavors come alive and makes for a creamier texture.
  10. Serve the cheese ball on a lovely platter or cheese board, accompanied by fresh veggies, crackers, pretzels, or crostini. Enjoy your festive creation!

Notes

When storing leftovers, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the fridge. It will last for a few days. You can also freeze it, but be sure to let it thaw in the fridge before serving to maintain its texture.