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Best Whipped Cranberry Feta Cheese Ball (Kid-Approved)

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A light and fluffy whipped cheese ball with tangy feta, sweet dried cranberries, and a crunchy nut coating. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a simple family snack, this easy appetizer comes together in minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)
  • For the coating:
  • 1/3 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped
  • 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese: Remove from fridge 30-45 minutes before starting, or microwave on low for 10-15 seconds until soft but not melted.
  2. Prep add-ins: Finely chop cranberries for inside (pea-sized), roughly chop for coating. Chop nuts and parsley. Set aside.
  3. Whip cream cheese: In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth, light, and fluffy. Scrape down sides halfway through.
  4. Add feta: Crumble feta into bowl and beat on medium for 1-2 minutes until incorporated but with some tiny feta bits remaining.
  5. Add seasonings and honey: Add garlic powder, black pepper, and honey. Beat on low until combined, about 30 seconds. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Fold in cranberries: Add finely chopped cranberries and fold gently with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  7. Shape cheese ball: Transfer mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use wrap to shape into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours.
  8. Prepare coating: About 15 minutes before serving, mix roughly chopped cranberries, nuts, and parsley on a plate.
  9. Coat cheese ball: Unwrap chilled cheese ball and roll gently in coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Pat any bare spots with hands.
  10. Serve: Place on a platter and let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, apple slices, celery sticks, or pretzels.

Notes

Don’t skip the chilling step—it firms the cheese ball so the coating adheres. For best texture, serve at room temperature. Make ahead: prepare cheese mixture up to 2 days in advance, add coating just before serving. Freezes well for up to 3 months (thaw overnight in fridge, then coat).

Nutrition

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Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/best-whipped-cranberry-feta-cheese-ball-kid-approved/