Cranberry Pecan Cheesecake Ball

Directions

In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Add the chopped dried cranberries, vanilla extract, honey, salt and cinnamon to the cheese mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Form a ball with the mixture. You can use plastic wrap to help form the ball without it sticking.

Spread the chopped pecans on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the pecans, pressing gently to make sure they adhere to the surface.

Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.

Before serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes so that it softens slightly and is easier to spread.

Variations and tips

For a different flavor profile, try swapping out the cranberries for dried apricots or figs. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, like walnuts or almonds, for the coating. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a milder cheese flavor, swap out the sharp cheddar for a milder cheese like Monterey Jack. To make this recipe more festive, consider adding a tablespoon of orange zest to the mixture for a citrusy kick.