Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles are a delightful, festive appetizer or snack. These creamy cheese truffles combine the richness of cream cheese, the sweetness of dried cranberries, and the crunch of toasted pecans for a perfect balance of flavors. Here’s a simple recipe to make them:

Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (or a cheese of your choice like goat cheese or brie)
• 1/4 cup chopped dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans (for rolling)
• 2 tablespoons honey (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Chop the dried cranberries and toasted pecans into small pieces.
   • Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then let them cool before chopping.
2. Mix the Cheese Base:
   • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese (or your chosen cheese). Use a hand mixer or spoon to blend them together until smooth and creamy.
   • If you’d like a sweeter flavor, add honey to the mixture and stir it in. You can also adjust the salt and pepper at this point for seasoning.
3. Add the Cranberries:
   • Stir the chopped dried cranberries into the cheese mixture. Mix them evenly throughout.
4. Form the Truffles:
   • Using your hands, scoop out small amounts of the cheese mixture and roll them into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
5. Roll in Pecans:
   • Place the chopped toasted pecans in a shallow bowl or plate. Gently roll each cheese ball in the pecans, making sure the outside is fully coated.
6. Chill the Truffles:
   • Place the coated cheese truffles on a parchment-lined tray or plate and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours to firm up.
7. Garnish (Optional):
   • Before serving, garnish the truffles with freshly chopped parsley or extra cranberries for a pop of color.
8. Serve:
   • Once chilled, serve the cranberry pecan cheese truffles as an appetizer or snack at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.

Tips:

• You can also use a variety of cheeses, such as cream cheese with a little goat cheese or blue cheese for a more complex flavor.
• For a more festive look, you can drizzle the truffles with a little extra honey before serving.
• These truffles can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

These Cranberry Pecan Cheese Truffles are perfect for holiday parties or as a unique addition to a cheese platter. Enjoy!