Dried Fruit Cheese Ball
Elevate your appetizer game with this irresistibly festive Dried Fruit Cheese Ball, a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and nutty flavors. This easy-to-make recipe features a creamy base of cream cheese and sharp cheddar, infused with bursts of dried cranberries, finely chopped apricots, a drizzle of honey, and a warm hint of ground cinnamon. Coated in a crunchy layer of chopped pecans and optionally garnished with fresh parsley, this cheese ball adds a stunning centerpiece to any gathering. Ready in just 20 minutes of prep (plus chill time), it pairs beautifully with crackers or a sliced baguette, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing party snack. Whether for a holiday spread or a casual get-together, this dish is a flavorful showstopper that combines ease with elegance.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 oz Cream cheese
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup Dried cranberries
- 0.5 cup Dried apricots, finely chopped
- 0.75 cup Chopped pecans
- 2 tbsp Honey
- 0.5 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
Fold in the dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, 0.5 cup of chopped pecans, honey, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Transfer the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap, forming it into a rough ball shape.
Wrap the mixture tightly in the plastic wrap, using your hands to shape it into a smooth ball. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until firm.
Just before serving, spread the remaining 0.25 cup of chopped pecans on a flat surface. Unwrap the cheese ball and gently roll it in the pecans, pressing lightly to coat the exterior. If desired, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pecans for added color and flavor.
Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate and surround it with crackers or slices of baguette. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3301 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 257.7 g | 330% | |
| Saturated Fat | 121.7 g | 608% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 6.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 579 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 2384 mg | 104% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 202.1 g | 73% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.7 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 145.9 g | ||
| Protein | 68.2 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 1379 mg | 106% | |
| Iron | 4.4 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 1950 mg | 41% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
