Favorite Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 8 ounces, weight Cream Cheese
• ¼ cups Sour Cream
• 1 cup Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• ¼ cups Shredded Parmesan Cheese
• ¼ cups Finely Chopped Onion
• ½ teaspoons Teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 pinch Cayenne Powder
• 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice
• ¼ teaspoons Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• ⅓ cups Dried Cranberries, Optional
• ½ cups Toasted Pecans, Chopped Coarse (optional)

Preparation Instructions

1) Place all ingredients except pecans in a large bowl. Beat with a hand mixer on medium-low speed until well combined.

2) Scrape the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Cover with the plastic wrap and shape into a ball or log. Put the cheese ball on a plate and place in the refrigerator to harden, about 30 minutes – 1 hour.

3) Roll the cheese ball in the chopped pecans and place on a serving plate. Serve with crackers.

Note: this cheese is best if allowed to sit for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend. The flavors are best if it is allowed to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.

From Tasty Kitchen