Festive Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball
This delightful Festive Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball is the perfect holiday appetizer that combines the richness of cream cheese with the tartness of dried cranberries and the refreshing zing of orange. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it's sure to be a hit at any gathering. Paired with Keebler's Townhouse Topper crackers, it creates a delicious balance that will have your guests coming back for more! Plus, it's incredibly simple to make with only three ingredients, ensuring you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the festivities.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried cranberries
1/2 cup (chopped)
Frozen orange juice concentrate
1/8 cup (thawed)
Cream cheese
8 ounces (softened)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth.
2
Fold in the chopped dried cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the cream cheese.
3
Add the thawed orange juice concentrate and mix until fully combined and the ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Carefully shape the mixture into a ball or transfer it to a decorative bowl, smoothing the top.
5
Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Before serving, take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften.
7
Serve with your choice of crackers or pretzels for a delightful treat that everyone will love!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Festive Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball?
It is a holiday appetizer made by combining cream cheese, dried cranberries, and orange juice concentrate for a rich, tart, and refreshing flavor profile.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires only three simple ingredients.
What are the main ingredients?
The three ingredients are 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of chopped dried cranberries, and 1/8 cup of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be softened and then beaten with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is creamy and smooth.
What type of cranberries should be used?
The recipe calls for dried cranberries.
Do the cranberries need preparation?
Yes, the dried cranberries should be chopped before being folded into the cream cheese.
Should the orange juice concentrate be frozen when used?
No, the frozen orange juice concentrate should be thawed before adding it to the mixture.
How do I mix the cranberries into the cheese?
Fold the chopped dried cranberries into the beaten cream cheese until they are evenly distributed.
When is the orange juice concentrate added?
Add the thawed orange juice concentrate after folding in the cranberries and mix until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
How should I shape the cheese mixture?
You can carefully shape the mixture into a ball or transfer it into a decorative serving bowl.
How long should the cheese ball be refrigerated?
It needs to be refrigerated for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferred to let the flavors meld.
What should I use to cover the cheese ball in the fridge?
Cover the cheese ball or bowl with plastic wrap before placing it in the refrigerator.
What should I do before serving the cheese ball?
Take the cheese ball out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to soften.
What are the best crackers to serve with this dish?
Keebler's Townhouse Topper crackers are recommended for a delicious balance, but any choice of crackers will work.
Can I serve this with pretzels?
Yes, this cheese ball can be served with pretzels for a delightful treat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 20 servings.
What is the recipe's category?
This recipe is categorized as a Spread.
Is this a good holiday recipe?
Yes, it is specifically described as a festive holiday appetizer.
What kind of mixer is recommended?
An electric mixer is recommended for beating the cream cheese.
How much orange juice concentrate is used?
The recipe requires 1/8 cup of thawed frozen orange juice concentrate.
Can this recipe be made ahead of time?
Yes, making it a day in advance is encouraged to improve the flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is described as incredibly simple to make with only three steps and three ingredients.
What is the texture of the cheese ball?
The texture is creamy and smooth, punctuated by the chewiness of the dried cranberries.
Are there any nuts in this recipe?
No, the base recipe as provided does not include nuts.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include cheese ball, appetizer, holiday recipe, cranberry, orange, and easy recipe.
Why is it called 'Festive'?
It is called festive because it uses seasonal flavors like cranberry and orange, perfect for holiday gatherings.
How do I ensure the flavors meld properly?
Ensure the mixture is refrigerated for at least two hours or overnight.
What size cream cheese package is needed?
One 8-ounce package of cream cheese is required.
What is the total ingredient count?
The total ingredient count for this recipe is 3.
How should the cream cheese be mixed?
It should be beaten on medium speed until it becomes creamy and smooth.