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Festive Sugared Cranberry Rosemary Cheese Ball – Easy Holiday Appetizer Recipe

Sugared cranberry rosemary cheese ball - featured image
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This stunning cheese ball combines creamy, tangy cheese with a sweet-tart sugared cranberry and rosemary coating. It’s an easy, make-ahead appetizer that looks like a holiday centerpiece and disappears from the table every time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar (for sugaring cranberries)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for rosemary mix)
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • Assorted crackers, for serving
  • Apple slices or pear slices, for serving
  • Celery sticks, for serving

Instructions

  1. Make the Sugared Cranberries: In a small bowl, toss the fresh cranberries with ¼ cup of granulated sugar. Make sure each berry is well-coated. Spread them out on a piece of parchment paper and let them sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours).
  2. Make the Rosemary-Sugar Mix: In another small bowl, combine the finely chopped rosemary and 1 tablespoon of granulated sugar. Use your fingers to rub the rosemary into the sugar. Set aside.
  3. Soften the Cream Cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start. It should be room temperature and soft to the touch.
  4. Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, and sour cream. Beat with a mixer on medium speed until completely smooth and fluffy—about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  5. Add the Seasonings: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cheese mixture into the center. Gather the edges of the plastic wrap and twist to form a tight ball. Use your hands to shape it into a perfect sphere. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
  7. Prepare the Coating Station: On a large piece of parchment paper or a small baking sheet, combine the sugared cranberries, the rosemary-sugar mixture, and the chopped nuts (if using). Spread into an even layer.
  8. Roll the Cheese Ball: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and place it in the middle of the cranberry-rosemary mixture. Gently press the coating onto the sides and top of the ball. Use your hands to press any loose pieces into the surface.
  9. Final Chill: Place the coated cheese ball back on the parchment paper and return it to the fridge for another 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature. The cheese ball must be well-chilled before rolling in the coating to prevent the coating from sinking in. Sugared cranberries can be made a day ahead. Leftover cheese ball can be stored wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry, rosemary, holiday appetizer, easy appetizer, cream cheese, festive, Christmas appetizer, Thanksgiving appetizer

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/festive-sugared-cranberry-rosemary-cheese-ball-easy-holiday-appetizer-recipe/