Cranberry Pecan Caramelized Onion Cheeseball Recipe

Introduction

This Cranberry Pecan Caramelized Onion Cheeseball is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Creamy cheeses combine with rich caramelized onions, crunchy pecans, and tart cranberries for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. It’s ideal for holiday gatherings or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, very thinly sliced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped into smaller pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently, for 25-30 minutes until they become deeply golden and caramelized with a jam-like consistency.
2. Step 2: While the onions cook, toast the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mascarpone, caramelized onions, grated white cheddar, half of the toasted pecans, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Beat the mixture with electric beaters until well blended.
4. Step 4: On a separate plate, mix the remaining pecans with the chopped dried cranberries using your fingers.
5. Step 5: Form the cheese mixture into a tight ball with your hands, then gently roll it in the pecan and cranberry mixture to coat evenly. Wrap the cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. Step 6: Before serving, allow the cheeseball to sit at room temperature for about an hour to soften slightly. Serve with your favorite crackers, chips, or sliced apples.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tangy dried cranberries for a more complex flavor.
• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• Add a splash of balsamic vinegar to the caramelized onions for extra depth.
• For a spicier kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture.

Storage

Store the cheeseball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If stored overnight, let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving to bring out the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the cheeseball in advance?

Yes, making the cheeseball a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve.

What can I serve with this cheeseball?

This cheeseball pairs wonderfully with crackers, pita chips, sliced apples, pears, or even crisp vegetables like celery and carrots.

Cranberry Pecan Caramelized Onion Cheeseball Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 133 reviews

This Cranberry Pecan Caramelized Onion Cheeseball is a delightful appetizer blending creamy cheese, sweet caramelized onions, crunchy toasted pecans, and tangy dried cranberries. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any party, this elegant cheeseball pairs beautifully with crackers, chips, or sliced apples for a crowd-pleasing starter.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes plus chilling time
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Caramelized Onions

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium sweet onion, very thinly sliced

Cheese Mixture

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 1/2 cups freshly grated white cheddar cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Crunchy Toppings

• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 3/4 cup dried cranberries, chopped into smaller pieces

Instructions

1. Caramelize the Onions: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions and sauté, stirring frequently for 25-30 minutes until the onions become deeply golden and caramelized, reaching an almost jam-like consistency.
2. Toast the Pecans: While the onions caramelize, heat another skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped pecans and toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly and watching closely to prevent burning. Once toasted, remove from heat and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, mascarpone cheese, caramelized onions, grated white cheddar, half of the toasted pecans, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use electric beaters to blend everything until smooth and fully combined.
4. Combine Toppings: On a plate, mix the remaining toasted pecans with the chopped dried cranberries, stirring together with your fingers to blend the flavors and textures.
5. Form the Cheeseball: Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a ball. Gently roll the cheeseball in the pecan and cranberry mixture to coat evenly. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
6. Serve: For best flavor and texture, allow the cheeseball to sit at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Accompany with your favorite crackers, chips, or sliced apples for an inviting appetizer.

Notes

• Caramelizing onions is a slow process but key to developing deep, sweet flavor; do not rush it by increasing heat.
• Toast pecans carefully and stir frequently to avoid burning and bring out their nutty flavor.
• Allowing the cheeseball to rest at room temperature before serving enhances the softness and flavor.
• Chopping dried cranberries into smaller pieces helps them adhere better to the cheeseball and distributes the tartness evenly.
• This cheeseball can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.

Keywords: cranberry pecan cheeseball, caramelized onion cheeseball, holiday appetizers, party snacks, creamy cheeseball, sweet and savory hors d’oeuvre