Spiced Cherry Cheeseball
By Sara Barton | Leave A Comment
By Sara Barton | Leave A Comment
Let’s face it – holidays are insane enough. But, when faced with the dilemma of what to bring to a party, even the most composed of us can go completely crazy, especially when we’re faced with a table full of the usual cheese trays, cookie plates, and barbecued meatballs.
I don’t know about you, but I like to bring something memorable to a party, that makes people ask me for the recipe and beg me to bring the same dish to their party a few months later. I discovered the following recipe on the Kraft Foods website a couple of years ago and it’s a guaranteed hit because of the different textures, as well as the combination of sweet and savory flavors.
Spiced Cherry Cheeseball
What You Need:
1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese spread, softened
1 pkg. (10 oz.) sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded*
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup pecan pieces, toasted, finely chopped, optional
Crackers
*Chef’s note: white cheddar cheese is extremely soft and very difficult to grate at home. When buying the cheese, ask the deli if they will shred it for you. If not, put the cheese in the freezer for 15 minutes before shredding.
Make It:
Mix cream cheese and Cheddar cheese until blended. Stir in cherries and spice. Shape into ball; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.
Roll in pecans just before serving, if desired. Serve with crackers.
Other Options:
Prepare as directed, using one of the following flavor options:
Italian: Substitute 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese for the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup sliced drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the cherries and 1/2 tsp. each Italian seasoning and garlic powder for the pumpkin pie spice.
Smoky Bacon: Omit pumpkin pie spice. Mix ingredients as directed, substituting 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese for the shredded white cheddar and 2 Tbsp. bacon bits or 1 pkg. shredded beef for the cherries. Stir in 2 sliced green onions, then shape into ball.
Herbed: Omit pumpkin pie spice. Prepare as directed, substituting 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese for the cheddar cheese and 1 clove minced garlic and 2 Tbsp. each chopped fresh parsley, fresh basil and chives for the cherries.
Giving the Cheeseball as a Gift?
Place cheese ball and knife on decorative platter or cutting board. Wrap with colorful cellophane and ribbon. After serving the cheese ball at the holiday party, the hostess will have a lovely gift to remember the occasion by.
Photo credit: Kraft Foods
FILED UNDER: Recipes | TAGGED WITH cheeseball recipes, cherry cheeseball
ABOUT Sara Barton
I am mom to a gorgeous 5 year old and step-mom to an active 12 year old. I have been married to Hubs{read more}
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Wow, that sounds amazing! I’m definitely going to try it for new years. Thanks!
This sounds totally delicious! Cheese is always great and I am always looking for something with different flavor combinations! Thank you for sharing!
That sounds sooo delicious!
Thanks for sharing that!