Cranberry Cheddar Cheese Ball or Cheese Log

 


  • 8 ounces cream cheese room temperature
  • 3 tablespoons butter room temperature, divided 
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 
  • 1 cup walnuts
  • 1 cup dried cranberries

In a food processor finely chop dried cranberries, set aside. Do the same for the nuts and bake as directed below. 

Buttered Salted Walnuts

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Toss nuts thoroughly with 1 Tbsp melted butter and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. 

Cheese Mixture 


  • In a medium to large size bowl, mix together the cream cheese and butter until softened. Add in dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper. Stir until well combined. Fold in cheddar cheese, half of the cranberries and half of the cooled nuts, and gently stir until all is evenly incorporated and well combined. 

  • Lay a large piece of plastic wrap onto a clean surface and scrape cream cheese mixture onto it. Fold the plastic around it to form a ball or log.
    On another clean sheet of plastic wrap, spread out the combined remaining dried cranberries and nuts. Unwrap the cheeseball and roll it into the mixture to top. Wrap it back up in clean plastic wrap and refrigerate or freeze until ready to serve.

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