Easy Cranberry Cheese Ball Wreath
This festive cranberry cheese ball wreath combines creamy cheese, sharp cheddar, sweet-tart cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a hint of orange for an easy Christmas appetizer that's perfect for holiday parties or homemade hostess gifts.
Servings 24
Calories 165kcal
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups sharp white cheddar shredded
- 1 cup dried cranberries chopped, divided use
- 1 jalapeño seeded and finely minced, divided use
- 3 tablespoons chives or green onion -chopped, divided use
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1 ½ teaspoons dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups pecans chopped and toasted
- Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Crackers pretzels, or baguette slices for serving
Instructions
- Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until it’s smooth, fluffy.
- Add the cheddar, half the cranberries, half the chives, most of the jalapeño, the orange juice, orange zest, brown sugar, and the black pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed and gloriously festive.
- Lay out a piece of plastic wrap, then set a small bowl or ramekin (also wrapped) in the center.
- Scoop the cheese mixture around the bowl, shaping it into a ring.
- Wrap the whole thing tightly like it’s a secret holiday gift and chill for at least 2 hours, or until firm enough to handle.
- For the coating, combine the remaining cranberries, chives, the rest of the jalapeño, and the chopped pecans in a shallow dish.
- Unwrap your chilled cheese wreath and gently roll it in the mixture, pressing to make sure all that tart-spicy-nutty goodness sticks.
- Transfer the wreath to a serving platter.
- Tuck fresh rosemary sprigs around the base so it looks like something Pinterest would cry over.
- Add crackers, pretzels, or baguette slices, and watch people swarm like holiday-themed locusts.
Notes
Storage:
Wrap tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
Tips:
- Room-temperature cream cheese blends smoother, fluffier, and way less stubborn.
- Dice the jalapeno tiny. We’re talking confetti-level small. Gloves optional… emotional damage from jalapeño hands not optional.
- Chill two hours minimum, overnight is best. A soft wreath will slouch like a tired elf, and we do not tolerate appetizer slouching during the holidays.
Nutrition
Calories: 165kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 29mg | Sodium: 121mg | Potassium: 65mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 377IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 91mg | Iron: 0.2mg
