Spinach Cranberry & Pecan Cheese Ball
A festive appetizer that can be spread on your favorite crackers! This cheeseball is covered in cranberries, pecans and dried minced garlic.
Ingredients
FOR CHEESEBALL:
- 8 oz fresh spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 strips bacon
- 8 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup mozzarella shredded
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese shredded
FOR CRUST:
- 1 cup crushed pecans
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons dried minced garlic
- 2 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium high heat, add the bacon and cook until it is crispy about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Do not clean the skillet. When cooled, crumble the bacon.
- Add the butter to the skillet and melt until frothy. Then add the fresh spinch. Saute until wilted, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, mozzarella and cheddar. While the spinach and bacon are still warm, add them to the bowl. Use a hand mixer to stir until well mixed. Use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Place a 12x12 piece of plastic wrap down on a large clean, flat surface. Dollop the cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap. Wrap the mixture in the plastic wrap tightly so that it forms a ball shape. Place the cheese ball into a small round bowl (if available) and then chill for at least one hour or until the cheeseball can hold its shape.
- Meanwhile, combine the crushed pecans, dried cranberries, dried minced garlic, sesame and parsley into a bowl and whisk together. Place a second piece of plastic wrap down and spread the crust mixture in the middle.
- Unwrap the cheeseball and place it in the middle of the crust. Roll it around gently to coat it completely in the crust. Discard any loose crust and then wrap the cheeseball tightly in the plastic wrap.
- Chill for at least one hour to set the shape of the cheeseball. Prior to serving, bring the cheeseball to room temperature over an hour so that the cheeseball can easily be cut into with a knife or cracker. Serve with your favorite crackers, veggies and more. Enjoy!
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