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Cranberry Almond Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 95 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Cranberry Cheese Ball is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any special occasion. Combining creamy cream cheese and sharp white cheddar with the sweet tartness of dried cranberries, smoky bacon, and fresh cilantro, it offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Rolled in crunchy roasted almonds, this cheese ball is both visually appealing and delicious, served best with sliced baguette or crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheeses and Dairy

  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (or feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola)

Mix-ins

  • 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins work great)
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Coating

  • 1/2 cup roasted almonds, chopped

Instructions

  1. Whip the Cream Cheese: In a medium-sized bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until it is smooth and creamy with no lumps, creating a perfect base for the cheese ball.
  2. Mix in the Ingredients: Add the white cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, finely chopped cilantro, and Worcestershire sauce to the bowl. Blend everything thoroughly until well combined.
  3. Form the Cheese Ball: Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Bring the corners of the wrap together and form the mixture into a large ball. Transfer the wrapped cheese ball into a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours, allowing it to firm up.
  4. Coat with Almonds: Once chilled and set, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped roasted almonds, coating it evenly to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
  5. Serve: Serve the cranberry cheese ball chilled alongside sliced baguette or your favorite crackers for a festive appetizer that guests will love.

Notes

  • This Cranberry Almond Bacon Cheese Ball makes a stunning buffet centerpiece, adding festive colors and flavors to any holiday or special occasion.
  • Feel free to substitute the white cheddar with feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola for a different flavor profile.
  • Make sure to refrigerate the cheese ball long enough to allow it to firm up, which helps in shaping and coating.
  • Serve with a variety of crackers or fresh baguette slices to complement the flavors and textures.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 404 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 372 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 17 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 14 g
  • Cholesterol: 71 mg

Find it online: https://littlespoonbites.com/cranberry-almond-bacon-cheese-ball-recipe/