Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer (Print Version)
Sweet and savory Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles are the perfect festive appetizer. Easy to make, these elegant bites impress any holiday gathering.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Creamy Truffle Core
01 -
16 oz cream cheese, softened
02 -
1/2 cup sharp white cheddar cheese, finely shredded
03 -
2 tbsp honey
→ Festive Flavor Infusion
04 -
1/2 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
05 -
1 tbsp orange zest
06 -
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
07 -
Pinch of ground nutmeg
08 -
1/2 cup pecan halves, finely chopped
→ Crunchy Pecan Coating
09 -
1 cup pecan halves, finely chopped
→ Seasoning & Garnish
10 -
1/4 tsp salt
11 -
1/8 tsp black pepper
12 -
3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
In a medium bowl, combine 16 oz softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup finely shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, and 2 tbsp honey. Beat with an electric mixer or sturdy spoon until smooth and well combined, forming the creamy truffle core for your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer.
02 -
Fold in 1/2 cup finely chopped dried cranberries, 1 tbsp orange zest, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and a pinch of ground nutmeg into the cheese mixture. Also, add 1/2 cup finely chopped pecan halves. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the base.
03 -
Add 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper to the cheese and cranberry mixture. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasoning is well incorporated, enhancing the overall flavor profile of your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer. Taste and adjust if desired.
04 -
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This chilling period is crucial as it firms up the cheese base, making it much easier to roll into uniform truffle balls later.
05 -
Place 1 cup finely chopped pecan halves for coating on a shallow plate. Using a small cookie scoop (about 1 tbsp) or your hands, roll the chilled cheese mixture into 24 uniform balls, each about 1-inch in diameter.
06 -
Roll each cheese truffle in the plate of 1 cup finely chopped pecan halves, pressing gently to ensure a full and even coating. The crunchy pecan coating adds texture and visual appeal to your Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles: Festive Appetizer.
07 -
Arrange the finished truffles on a serving platter. Garnish with 3-4 fresh rosemary sprigs for a festive touch. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. These make a delightful appetizer for any gathering.
# Notes:
01 -
Store leftover truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For best flavor, let them sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving.
02 -
These truffles can be made a day in advance. Prepare them completely, then store in the refrigerator. Garnish with fresh rosemary just before serving.
03 -
Serve these Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles with an assortment of crackers (water crackers, pita chips, or even ginger snaps for a sweet-savory twist) or apple slices.
04 -
Feel free to experiment with other nuts for the coating, such as walnuts or pistachios. For a different cheese profile, try a mild goat cheese instead of sharp white cheddar.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Spatula
03 -
Measuring cups and spoons
04 -
Small shallow dishes
05 -
Baking sheet
06 -
Parchment paper
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 135 kcal
Total Fat: 12 g
Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
Protein: 2 g