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Easy Whipped Cranberry Feta Cheese Ball: Perfect Party Appetizer

whipped cranberry feta cheese ball - featured image
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This light and fluffy whipped cranberry feta cheese ball is a quick and easy appetizer that combines tangy feta, creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for parties, it comes together in just 15 minutes of active prep and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese (two 8-ounce blocks), softened to room temperature
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled (brine-packed recommended)
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
  • Crackers or crostini for serving

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take cream cheese out of fridge at least 30 minutes before starting. It should be room temperature—soft enough that pressing with a finger leaves an indent. If in a hurry, cut into cubes and microwave in 10-second bursts until just softened.
  2. Toast the pecans: While cream cheese softens, toss chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir constantly for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and slightly darker. Pour onto a plate to cool completely.
  3. Whip the cheeses: Add softened cream cheese and crumbled feta to a food processor. Pour in heavy cream. Pulse a few times, then run continuously for 60-90 seconds. Stop, scrape down sides, then run another 30 seconds until pale, fluffy, and completely smooth.
  4. Add the mix-ins: Transfer whipped cheese mixture to a medium bowl. Gently fold in chopped dried cranberries, 1/4 cup toasted pecans (save rest for coating), half the chives, and half the parsley. Add salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning. If using honey, drizzle in and fold gently.
  5. Shape the cheese ball: Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on counter. Scoop cheese mixture onto center. Gather edges of plastic wrap and twist gently to form a tight ball. Use hands through plastic to shape into a perfect sphere. Twist top tightly to seal.
  6. Chill: Place wrapped cheese ball in refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This firms up the mixture so it can be coated without falling apart.
  7. Coat and serve: Once firm, unwrap cheese ball and place on serving platter. In a small bowl, mix remaining toasted pecans, chives, and parsley. Gently press mixture onto outside of cheese ball, covering all sides. Serve immediately with crackers or crostini, or return to fridge until ready to serve.

Notes

Temperature is key: use room temperature cream cheese for best texture. Don’t over-whip—stop when mixture looks like thick whipped cream. Toast nuts for best flavor. Chill time is essential for shaping. Double the coating for best results. Can be made up to 3 days ahead; add coating just before serving. Leftovers keep up to 5 days in the fridge. Not recommended for freezing.

Nutrition

Keywords: whipped cheese ball, cranberry feta cheese ball, easy appetizer, party appetizer, holiday appetizer, cream cheese feta spread

Find it online: https://ovenmila.com/easy-whipped-cranberry-feta-cheese-ball-perfect-party-appetizer/