Holiday Cheese Spread

Transform your holiday gatherings with this festive and flavorful Holiday Cheese Spread! This irresistibly creamy appetizer combines tangy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and soft butter, perfectly balanced with sweet dried cranberries, crunchy pecans, and a touch of honey. A hint of garlic and onion powders enhances the savory flavor, while a garnish of fresh parsley adds a burst of color. Shaped into an elegant ball or log and coated in finely chopped pecans, this no-cook recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep time and is the perfect make-ahead dish to chill before serving. Pair it with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables for a crowd-pleasing snack that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for holiday parties, potlucks, or as a statement starter at any festive occasion, this cheese spread will be the highlight of your seasonal table.

Nutriscore Rating: 46/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:0 mins

Total Time:15 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 8 oz Cream cheese
• 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp Butter, softened
• 1 cup Dried cranberries, chopped
• 1 cup Pecans, finely chopped
• 1 tsp Garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp Onion powder
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 0.25 tsp Salt
• 0.25 tsp Black pepper
• 2 tbsp Parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• 1 Assorted crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened butter. Use a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon to mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 2

Add the garlic powder, onion powder, honey, salt, and black pepper to the cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all the seasonings.

Step 3

Fold in the dried cranberries and half of the chopped pecans, reserving the other half for coating the finished cheese spread.

Step 4

Shape the cheese mixture into a ball or a log, depending on your preference. You can use plastic wrap to help shape it and keep your hands clean.

Step 5

Spread the reserved chopped pecans on a plate or cutting board. Roll the cheese ball or log in the nuts until fully coated.

Step 6

Place the cheese spread on a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 7

Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the spread to firm up before serving.

Step 8

Serve chilled with your choice of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	697.7 grams (697.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2904

Total Fat 221.20g	284%
Saturated Fat 91.90g	460%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.40g
Cholesterol 411mg	137%
Sodium 2417mg	105%
Total Carbohydrate 205.00g	75%
Dietary Fiber 20.40g	73%
Total Sugars 147.30g
Protein 56.70g	113%

Vitamin D 24IU	120%
Calcium 1139mg	88%
Iron 6mg	32%
Potassium 1056mg	22%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.5%

Protein: 7.5%

Carbs: 27.0%