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Cranberry Almond Bacon Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 55 reviews
  • Author: Alvarez
  • 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 delightful, festive appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or special occasions. Creamy cream cheese blended with sharp white cheddar, crispy bacon, sweet dried cranberries, and fresh cilantro creates a perfect balance of flavors. Rolled in crunchy roasted almonds, this cheese ball adds both texture and taste, making it an appealing centerpiece served alongside baguette slices or crackers.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
  • 8 ounces white cheddar cheese (you can also use feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola)
  • 1/2 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled)
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries (Craisins work great!)
  • 1 tablespoon cilantro (finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup roasted almonds (chopped)

Instructions

  1. Whip Cream Cheese: In a medium bowl, whip the softened cream cheese until it becomes smooth and creamy with no lumps.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add the white cheddar, cooked and crumbled bacon, dried cranberries, chopped cilantro, and Worcestershire sauce to the whipped cream cheese. Blend all ingredients thoroughly until fully combined.
  3. Form Cheese Ball: Spoon the mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Bring the corners together and shape the mixture into a large ball. Place the wrapped ball in a bowl and refrigerate for at least 3 hours to allow it to firm up.
  4. Coat with Almonds: After chilling, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball in the chopped roasted almonds until it is evenly coated on all sides.
  5. Serve: Serve the cranberry cheese ball with sliced baguette bread or your favorite crackers for a festive appetizer everyone will enjoy.

Notes

  • This Cranberry Almond Bacon Cheese Ball is an ideal holiday appetizer, combining festive colors and vibrant flavors.
  • Feel free to swap white cheddar for other cheeses such as feta, goat cheese, or gorgonzola depending on your taste preference.
  • For a nut-free version, skip the almonds and roll the cheese ball in finely chopped fresh herbs or crushed crackers.
  • Prepare the cheese ball a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and to make party day easier.

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://mycopyrecipe.com/cranberry-almond-bacon-cheese-ball-recipe/