Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–4 minutes until fragrant.
- In a large bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, jalapeño, garlic powder, salt, and green onions until well combined.
- Scoop the mixture onto plastic wrap, shape into a ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- In a shallow dish, mix chopped cranberries and toasted pecans.
- Roll the chilled cheese ball in the cranberry-pecan mixture until fully coated.
- Place on a serving platter with crackers or dippers and serve slightly softened.
Notes
- Bring to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving for best texture.
- Make ahead and store in fridge up to 24 hours before serving.
- Swap pecans with walnuts or sunflower seeds if preferred.
- Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of cheese ball
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: cheese ball, cranberry cheese ball, party appetizer, chicken cheese ball, holiday snack