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Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Description

Bring festive cheer to your holiday table with this Christmas Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Tree a creamy, savory, perfectly sweet-and-salty appetizer that looks just as magical as it tastes. With tangy cranberries, crunchy pecans, sharp cheddar, and a creamy base, this easy no-cook holiday recipe transforms simple ingredients into a stunning Christmas tree centerpiece. It’s delightful to serve, fun to shape, and guaranteed to impress your guests!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Crackers or bread for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, blend together the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar until smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
  2. Add the chopped pecans, dried cranberries, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until every ingredient is evenly distributed throughout the cheese blend.
  3. Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and shape it into a Christmas tree wider at the base, tapered toward the top. Use your hands to gently mold and smooth the surface.
  4. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to help the tree firm up and hold its shape.
  5. Once chilled, uncover and decorate with fresh parsley to create a leafy garland effect. Add extra cranberries and pecans as ornaments for extra color and crunch.
  6. Serve with your favorite assortment of crackers, crostini, or sliced bread.

Notes

  1. Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature to ensure easy mixing and a smooth, lump-free texture.
  2. Refrigeration time is essential cold cheese holds its shape better, making your tree look neat and sturdy.
  3. Shape the tree directly on the serving platter to avoid having to transfer it later, which can distort the design.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-cook
  • Cuisine: American, Holiday

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (1/12 of recipe)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: ~6 g
  • Sodium: ~310 mg
  • Fat: ~27 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: ~13 g
  • Trans Fat: ~0 g
  • Carbohydrates: ~10–12 g
  • Fiber: ~1 g
  • Protein: ~5–7 g
  • Cholesterol: ~45 mg

Keywords: Christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cranberry pecan cheese ball, Christmas tree cheese ball

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Find it online: https://averyrecipes.com/christmas-cranberry-pecan-cheese-ball-tree/