These cranberry and pistachio cheese balls are undoubtedly one of the easiest appetizers you can make this holiday season or any other time of the year. Prepared in less than 15 minutes, it is a favorite among both children and adults.
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The cranberry cheese ball recipe is definitely something that must be tried this holiday season.
Made from savory white cheddar cheese, cranberries, and pistachios, you can have these cheese balls for a holiday party or a simple family dinner.
With the holiday season just around the corner, everyone is busy making preparations, whether it is preparing scrumptious food or shopping for the holidays.
Though shopping and other festivities matter a great deal, but to be honest, isn’t it the food that really counts?
Coming up with a holiday appetizer ideas seems to be quite a daunting task. To make your life easier we have put together a list of easy appetizers.
Traditional cheese balls are a mixture of cream cheese, grated cheese whipped along with a few added flavorings, which are then shaped into a ball of about four inches and then covered in nuts.
The cheese ball can also be shaped into a log depending on your preference.
Both cheese log recipe and cheese ball recipe is a great appetizer for your dinner table.
A delicious appetizer:
Looking for more varieties on your dinner table? Don’t worry, we have got you covered. Surprise your family by trying the mouth-watering cheesy garlic pull-apart bread recipe or the delicious homemade red lobster cheddar bay biscuits recipe.
However, if you want more options then choose bruschetta with garlic crisp. This appetizer will surely win everyone’s heart.
You can also celebrate your holiday season by making these appetizers ahead of time. These are also great for a crowd and all these recipes can be made in under 30 minutes.
Essential Ingredients of Cheese ball:
- White Cheddar Cheese
White cheddar cheese is the star of this recipe. It provides the main texture to the cheese balls and holds the ball together.
The cheese balls can be made in advance in bulk amounts. However, they must not be coated with nuts.
- Pistachios
Salty nutty pistachios are commonly used in a number of dishes. They are perfectly used in combination with white cheddar cheese. Moreover, they impart a beautiful greenish-purple color and delicious flavor to cheese recipes.
Most importantly, you can serve pistachios with ricotta, fresh goat cheese, feta, and triple crème cheeses.
- Cranberries
Tangy tart cranberries add a kick to the appetizer.
- Spices
Garlic powder provides a spicy flavor and required seasoning to the cheese ball. It works in any recipe that calls for fresh or dried garlic. You can also use white or black pepper powder
Wrapping the cheese ball:
In order to make a cheese ball, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, salt, and garlic powder.
Then, scoop out the cheese mixture and place it on a plastic wrap. In the next step, wrap the cheese ball securely in the plastic wrap.
You can use your hands to give it a shape like that of a ball.
Finally, chill for at least 1-2 hours. It is this step that will give the cheese ball its firm shape.
Serving:
It is best to serve these cheese balls with crackers, immediately after making them.
These scrumptious cheese balls make a great combination with your favorite crackers.
Make this delicious cheese balls and get ready to be showered with unlimited praise from your family and friends.
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These cranberry and pistachio cheese balls are undoubtedly one of the easiest appetizers you can make this holiday season or any other time of the year. Prepared in less than 15 minutes, it is a favorite among both children and adults.
- 16 Ounce 226g cream cheese
- 1 cup mild white cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper powder
- 1/2 cup cranberries coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup pistachios coarsely chopped
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Add cream cheese to a bowl and beat well.
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To this add cheddar cheese + salt + pepper powder and mix well.
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Transfer onto a plastic wrap and wrap it well.
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Refrigerate for almost 2 hours and then roll into a ball.
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Mix the cranberries and pistachios in a tray or flat dish. Add the cheese ball and roll it to coat evenly.
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Serve immediately with your favorite crackers.
If you want to make ahead, follow the directions from 1 to 4 and then coat only before serving. Cheese can be mixed up to a day or two in advance
