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Easy Whipped Cranberry Feta Cheese Ball: Best 15-Minute Appetizer

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This whipped cranberry feta cheese ball is a quick and easy appetizer that comes together in just 15 minutes. Creamy feta and cream cheese are whipped until light and fluffy, then studded with dried cranberries and rolled in a crunchy nut coating for a tangy-sweet, crowd-pleasing treat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, roughly chopped (plus extra for rolling)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for rolling)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh chives or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Take your cream cheese out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before you start. If you forgot, unwrap it and microwave it in 10-second bursts until soft but not hot—about 20 seconds total.
  2. Rough chop the cranberries: Take your 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and give them a rough chop. Set aside.
  3. Toast the nuts (optional but recommended): Toss your pecans or walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool completely, then chop finely.
  4. Whip the cheeses: Put the crumbled feta and softened cream cheese into your food processor. Add the honey, black pepper, and a tiny pinch of salt. Pulse a few times, then run continuously for about 60 seconds. Scrape down sides and run again for 30 seconds until smooth, light, and fluffy.
  5. Fold in the cranberries: Add the chopped cranberries to the food processor and pulse just 3 or 4 times to distribute them. Do not over-process.
  6. Shape the cheese ball: Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap. Scrape the cheese mixture into the center. Gather the edges and twist gently to form a ball. Use your hands over the plastic to shape it into a round sphere.
  7. Chill: Pop the wrapped cheese ball into the fridge for at least 1 hour to firm up. (Optional: skip if in a rush.)
  8. Prepare the coating: On a small plate, combine your finely chopped nuts and extra chopped cranberries. If using fresh herbs, mix those in too.
  9. Roll and coat: Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll it in the nut-cranberry mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Pat on extra coating where needed.
  10. Serve or store: Place on a serving platter. If not serving right away, cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best texture, use block-style feta packed in brine and full-fat cream cheese. Toast nuts for extra flavor. Make ahead: prepare cheese ball (without coating) up to 3 days in advance. Freeze uncoated cheese ball for up to 2 months. Let sit at room temperature 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal spreading consistency.

Nutrition

Keywords: whipped feta cheese ball, cranberry feta cheese ball, easy appetizer, 15-minute appetizer, holiday appetizer, party appetizer, no-bake appetizer

Find it online: https://dinadishes.com/easy-whipped-cranberry-feta-cheese-ball-best-15-minute-appetizer/