Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened
  • 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces (115g) crumbled blue cheese (optional)
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (optional)
  • ½ cup (75g) dried cranberries, chopped
  • ¼ cup (40g) finely chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (15ml)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (2.5ml)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper (1.25ml)
  • 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
  • Extra cranberries to garnish (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Fry bacon until crisp, drain on paper towels, and crumble. Let cool.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and blue cheese (if using) until smooth.
  3. Stir in crumbled bacon (if using), chopped cranberries, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
  4. Form the cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  5. Spread chopped pecans onto a plate.
  6. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll in pecans, pressing lightly.
  7. Use rosemary sprigs to create a holly wreath on top. Garnish with extra cranberries.
  8. Place the christmas cheese ball on a platter. Serve with crackers, baguette slices, or vegetables.