Delicious Caramelized Onion & Cranberry Cheeseball Recipe
This Caramelized Onion & Cranberry Cheeseball is a perfect blend of savory and sweet, making it an irresistible addition to your holiday spread. Cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese are combined with rich caramelized onions and tart cranberries, then rolled in crunchy pecans for a festive touch. It’s an easy yet elegant appetizer that pairs beautifully with crackers, baguette slices, or fresh vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing, Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh cranberries, roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup pecans, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Caramelize the onions: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes. Add the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture is sticky and fragrant. Set aside to cool.
2️⃣ Prepare the cheeseball mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and caramelized onions. Season with salt and pepper, and mix until smooth.
3️⃣ Add cranberries: Gently fold in the chopped cranberries, mixing until evenly distributed.
4️⃣ Shape the cheeseball: Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5️⃣ Coat with pecans: After chilling, roll the cheeseball in the chopped pecans until fully coated.
6️⃣ Serve and enjoy: Serve the cheeseball with crackers, fresh baguette slices, or veggies for dipping.
Notes
- For a touch of extra sweetness, drizzle honey over the cheeseball just before serving.
- You can substitute the pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheeseball mixture.
Keywords: cheeseball recipe, caramelized onion appetizer, cranberry cheese ball, holiday appetizers, savory-sweet snacks