Irresistible Sweet & Savory Delight: Dorothy’s Holiday Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
Embrace the spirit of the holidays with an appetizer that truly shines: Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball. This delightful creation is designed to be the star of any festive gathering, offering an irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Imagine the creamy richness of softened cream cheese and shredded Havarti, perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of dried cranberries, the satisfying crunch of pecans, and the unique, zesty kick of Dorothy Lynch Dressing. It’s a truly classic holiday appetizer, reimagined to deliver a memorable sweet and savory appeal that guests will adore.
As the festive season approaches, it’s time to gather with loved ones, share laughter, and create cherished memories. The end of another year calls for celebration, and what better way to kick off the festivities than with a show-stopping appetizer? This Holiday Cheese Ball is not just a dish; it’s a centerpiece that invites connection and joy, making it absolutely perfect for your upcoming celebrations.
This cranberry pecan cheese ball strikes an exquisite balance between sweet and savory, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you slather it on crisp crackers, spread it onto fresh raw vegetables, or even include it as a star component of an elaborate charcuterie board, prepare for it to disappear remarkably quickly. Its vibrant taste and appealing presentation make it an instant crowd-pleaser, cementing its place as a holiday entertaining essential.
This recipe is proudly sponsored by Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment, a product we genuinely adore. The opinions and love for this amazing Nebraska-made dressing are entirely my own.
While time seems to fly by, especially during the busy holiday season, taking a moment to connect with family and friends becomes even more crucial. These shared moments, often centered around delicious food, are what truly make the holidays special. This cheese ball offers a simple yet sophisticated way to enhance those connections, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the company of those who matter most.
Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball: A Masterpiece of Simplicity
When faced with the classic holiday question, “What can I bring?”, keep this incredible cranberry pecan cheese ball recipe at the forefront of your mind. It offers a stunning presentation that looks far more complex than it is, making it an ideal choice for any host or guest. With only a handful of ingredients, typically just six, this recipe is remarkably simple to prepare. Just whip it together, shape it, and chill it. Serve it alongside an assortment of crackers, fresh bread, or elevate your charcuterie board with its vibrant colors and delightful flavors.
One of the many reasons this cheese ball stands out is that it requires absolutely no additional spices or seasonings. The magic lies in Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment, which infuses the entire dish with all the zest and complex flavor it needs. If you’ve always thought of Dorothy Lynch as strictly a salad dressing, prepare to have your culinary horizons expanded! While it undeniably shines on salads, its versatility as a condiment in recipes like this cheese ball truly transforms dishes.
The Legacy of Flavor: What is Dorothy Lynch Dressing?
“The” Dorothy Lynch was a visionary woman who crafted this iconic dressing and condiment back in the 1940s. She first served it at a restaurant she operated with her husband at the local Legion Club in St. Paul, Nebraska. The dressing quickly garnered immense popularity, captivating the taste buds of patrons. Its fame grew to such an extent that eager customers would bring their own empty bottles to Dorothy, requesting refills to enjoy the unique flavor at home. This grassroots demand eventually led to its widespread production, allowing more people to experience its distinctive taste.
Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment is best characterized by its delightful balance of sweet and spicy notes, coupled with a thick, creamy texture. Its vibrant reddish-orange hue often leads many to mistakenly assume it’s just another French dressing. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Dorothy Lynch has a distinctly unique flavor profile and taste, bearing no resemblance to French dressing. While French dressing is typically oil-based, Dorothy Lynch stands apart as a tomato-based creation. The most fitting word to describe its essence is simple yet profound: homemade. It embodies that authentic, comforting taste reminiscent of traditional family recipes.
Key Ingredients for Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball
Crafting this perfect holiday appetizer requires a simple yet potent combination of ingredients:
- Cream cheese (ensure it’s softened for easy blending)
- Havarti cheese (shredded for smooth incorporation)
- Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment (the secret ingredient for that unforgettable flavor)
- Craisins (or any quality dried cranberries for a burst of sweet-tart flavor)
- Chopped pecans (adding a delightful crunch and nutty depth)
- Fresh parsley (for a touch of color and fresh aroma)
For those mindful of their dietary intake, this recipe can easily be adapted to be lower in fat and calories. Simply substitute Neufchatel Cheese for the traditional cream cheese, and opt for Dorothy Lynch Light & Lean Dressing & Condiment instead of the Home Style variety. The flavor remains exceptional, ensuring everyone can enjoy this festive treat.
You’ll find all precise measurements for these ingredients clearly detailed in the printable recipe card located at the very bottom of this post.
How To Make the Best Holiday Cheese Ball: A Simple Guide
Creating this delicious holiday cheese ball is surprisingly straightforward. Follow these easy steps to achieve a perfectly blended and beautifully presented appetizer that will impress your guests.
Step One: Prepare the Cream Cheese Base
Begin by placing your softened cream cheese in a spacious mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese on medium speed until it achieves a wonderfully smooth and creamy consistency. This ensures a lump-free base for your cheese ball.
Step Two: Incorporate the Key Flavors
Next, add the star of the show, Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment, to the cream cheese mixture. Continue mixing until it’s thoroughly combined. Then, gently fold in the dried cranberries (Craisins), half of the finely shredded Havarti cheese, and half of the fresh, chopped parsley. Mix until these ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a harmonious blend of colors and tastes within the cheese base.
Step Three: Prepare the Crunchy Coating
In a separate small bowl, combine the remaining halves of the shredded Havarti cheese and fresh parsley with the chopped pecans. This mixture will form the delicious and visually appealing outer coating for your cheese ball, adding a satisfying texture contrast.
Step Four: Form and Chill for Perfection
Using clean hands, gently form the cream cheese mixture into a neat ball. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on your counter and sprinkle about half of the pecan coating mixture evenly in the center. Carefully place the formed cheese ball on top of this mixture, then sprinkle the remaining pecan mixture over the top and sides. Roll the cheese ball gently in the pecan mixture until it is completely and evenly coated on all sides. Wrap the coated cheese ball tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully and helps the cheese ball firm up, making it easier to serve.
Serving Suggestion: Once chilled to perfection, unwrap your Holiday Cheese Ball and place it on your favorite serving platter. Arrange an assortment of crispy crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetable sticks around it for easy dipping. Garnish with a few extra fresh parsley sprigs or whole cranberries for an even more festive touch. Enjoy the delightful reactions of your guests!
This delightful appetizer is not just for formal gatherings. It’s equally perfect for a cozy family movie night, a potluck with friends, or simply as a delicious snack throughout the festive season. Its versatility and ease make it a go-to recipe you’ll want to make year after year. The balance of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements ensures there’s something for everyone to love.
Love This Recipe? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this fantastic holiday cheese ball recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to save it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you leave, so you can easily find it whenever holiday entertaining calls. It’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit time and again.
Where Can You Get Your Own Bottle of Dorothy Lynch Dressing?
Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment, a cherished Nebraska favorite, is readily available in most grocery stores across its home state. Beyond Nebraska, you can also find it at select grocery stores nationwide, including major retailers like Walmart and HyVee. If you’re struggling to locate it locally, don’t worry! You can conveniently stock your pantry with Dorothy Lynch by shopping online at Buy Nebraska or through Amazon. Never be without this versatile and delicious dressing!
Stay connected with Dorothy Lynch and discover a wealth of delicious recipes all year long by following their official website and their vibrant social media channels: Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter.
More Festive Recipes Featuring Dorothy Lynch Dressing
Infuse more of that distinctive Dorothy Lynch flavor into your holiday celebrations with these other beloved recipes:
- Dorothy’s Cranberry Meatballs (pictured above): A fantastic sweet and savory appetizer, perfect for parties, featuring a tangy cranberry-orange glaze with a hint of Dorothy Lynch.
- Dorothy’s Hot Taco Dip: A warm and cheesy dip that combines classic taco flavors with the unique zest of Dorothy Lynch, ideal for game nights or casual get-togethers.
- Slow Cooker Ham with Dorothy Lynch Glaze: Elevate your holiday ham with a beautifully caramelized glaze made effortless in the slow cooker, using Dorothy Lynch for a rich, sweet, and tangy finish.
- Dorothy’s BBQ Little Smokies: A nostalgic party favorite, these mini sausages are simmered in a flavorful BBQ sauce enhanced by Dorothy Lynch, creating an irresistible bite-sized appetizer.
- Dorothy’s Pizza Pockets: A fun and easy snack or light meal, these homemade pizza pockets get an extra layer of flavor from Dorothy Lynch in the filling.
- Impossible Pie with Bacon & Swiss: A savory, comforting pie that practically makes its own crust, with the flavors of bacon, Swiss cheese, and a special touch from Dorothy Lynch.
SEE ALL OF MY DOROTHY LYNCH RECIPES
We can’t wait for you to experience the magic of this Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball! It’s more than just an appetizer; it’s a new tradition waiting to happen. Let’s make a Holiday Cheese Ball and create some unforgettable holiday memories!
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Print Recipe
Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball
Equipment
- Dorothy Lynch Home Style Salad Dressing
- Black Modern Slate Cheese Board
- Rubber Spatulas
- Glass Batter Bowl
- KitchenAid Hand Mixer
Ingredients
- 1 8 ounce package of cream cheese, softened
- 6 ounces Havarti cheese shredded fine, divided
- 1/4 cup Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment
- 1/2 cup Craisins dried cranberries
- 1 2.25 ounce package chopped pecans (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 Tablespoons fresh parsley divided
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, with an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese until smooth.
- Mix in the Dorothy Lynch Dressing & Condiment.
- Blend in cranberries, half of the shredded Havarti cheese, and half of the fresh parsley.
- Mix the remaining halves of shredded cheese and parsley with the chopped pecans.
- Form the cheese into a ball. Lay a piece of plastic wrap on the counter, sprinkle about half of the pecan mixture in the middle, place the cheese ball on top and sprinkle the rest over the top. Roll the ball in the pecan mixture until all of the sides are coated.
- Wrap in the plastic wrap and place in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
- Serve with crackers.
Notes
To cut the calories on this recipe, use Neufchatel Cheese and Dorothy Lynch Light & Lean Dressing & Condiment!