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Pecan-coated mini cheese balls arranged as a Christmas tree with a cheddar star and crackers

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with Cranberries and Pecans

Mini cranberry pineapple cheese balls rolled in chopped pecans and arranged into a Christmas tree, with a cheddar star on top. Serve with crackers.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Chilling 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cheese balls
  • 16 oz cream cheese two 8-ounce blocks, softened
  • 1 can (8 oz) crushed pineapple drained very well, about ½ cup
  • ½ cup dried cranberries chopped
  • ½ cup pecans finely chopped
  • ¼ cup red bell pepper finely diced, optional
  • 3 tbsp fresh chives chopped
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
Coating and decoration
  • 1½ cups pecans finely chopped
  • ¼ cup dried cranberries for ornaments
  • 1 slice cheddar cheese for the star
For serving
  • crackers, pita chips or toasted baguette slices

Equipment

  • Sheet Pan
  • Parchment Paper
  • small star cookie cutter (optional)
  • large platter

Method
 

  1. Beat the cream cheese until smooth. Stir in the pineapple, chopped cranberries, ½ cup pecans, bell pepper, chives, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  2. Cover and refrigerate 1 hour, until firm.
  3. Scoop 21 portions, a scant 3 tablespoons each, and roll into balls with damp hands. Set on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
  4. Roll each ball in 1½ cups finely chopped pecans, pressing gently. Chill at least 30 minutes.
  5. Arrange on a platter in rows of 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 to form a tree.
  6. Press a cranberry onto each ball and top the tree with a cheddar star.
  7. Arrange crackers around the tree and serve chilled.

Notes

Press and blot the pineapple well so the mixture is firm enough to roll. Roll and coat the balls up to 24 hours ahead and build the tree just before serving. Keep at room temperature no more than 2 hours. Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days.