Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Start by allowing your cream cheese to reach room temperature. This makes it easier to blend and ensures a smoother consistency.
In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped dried cranberries, pecans, green onions, and your seasonings. Mix everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
Lay out a piece of plastic wrap and transfer the mixture onto it. Use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a ball. Wrapping it up and refrigerating it for at least an hour allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
Just before serving, you can enhance the texture and appearance of your cheese ball by rolling it in additional finely chopped pecans. A sprinkle of dried parsley adds a touch of color and freshness.
Variations and Substitutions:
Get creative with your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball! Here are some ideas for variations and ingredient substitutions:

Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cream cheese varieties like goat cheese, blue cheese, or a combination of several cheeses for a unique twist.
Add Heat: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or finely chopped jalapeños.
Herbs Galore: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives can bring a burst of freshness to your cheese ball.
Gluten-Free: Serve your cheese ball with gluten-free crackers or vegetables for a gluten-free option.
Nut Allergies: If nuts are a concern, you can replace pecans with crushed pretzels or even crispy bacon bits for a savory crunch.
Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Ingredients:

8 oz (about 1 cup) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, dried cranberries, pecans, green onions, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together until it’s well combined.
Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter and scoop the cheese mixture onto it.
Use the plastic wrap to help shape the mixture into a ball. Wrap it up and refrigerate for at least an hour, or until it’s firm.
Just before serving, you can roll the cheese ball in some additional chopped pecans for extra crunch and dried parsley for a pop of color if you’d like.
Serve the Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetable sticks.