Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 1.5 cups sharp white cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup dried cranberries (chopped and divided)
• 1 cup pecans (chopped and toasted)
• 1/4 cup chives (chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese with an electric mixer. This will work best if cream cheese is softened to room temperature. Then stir in shredded cheddar,1/2 cup cranberries,1/2 cup pecans, 2 tablespoons chives, garlic powder and salt. Stir until fully combined.
2. Place mixture on a piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to form the cheese mixture into a ball, then wrap it and refrigerate for at least one hour.
3. Mix together remaining cranberries, pecans and chives.
4. Roll cheeseball in mixture, lightly pressing mixture onto the cheese as needed until it is fully covered. Place in the center of a clean plate, then allow to sit out at room temperature for at least 15 minutes before serving.
5. Serve with crackers or toasted bread.