Easy cheese ball party snack (Printable Version)

Creamy cheese ball with cheddar, nuts, cranberries, and fresh herbs for festive occasions.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Mixture

01 - 16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened
02 - 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
03 - 0.75 teaspoon garlic powder
04 - 0.25 teaspoon fine sea salt
05 - 0.125 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Coating and Garnish

06 - 0.5 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
07 - 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
08 - 1 tablespoon parsley, finely chopped
09 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
10 - 0.5 cup toasted pecans, roughly chopped
11 - 0.5 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
12 - 1 tablespoon chives, finely chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Incorporate the shredded cheddar, garlic powder, sea salt, black pepper, and half portions of pecans, cranberries, parsley, and chives. Combine thoroughly.
02 - Moisten your hands lightly with water to prevent sticking, then gather the mixture and shape it into a firm ball.
03 - On a clean surface, combine the remaining pecans, cranberries, chives, and pumpkin seeds, mixing evenly.
04 - Roll the cheese ball over the coating mixture, pressing gently with your hands to ensure an even and complete covering.
05 - Wrap the coated cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes to firm up.
06 - Unwrap and transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter. Surround with an assortment of crackers and garnish with rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Invite guests to serve themselves and enjoy.

# Additional Notes:

01 - Lightly wetting your hands before shaping prevents sticking and ensures a smooth finish.