Cranberry Orange Cheese Balls

• 16 ounce - full-fat cream cheese
• 2 cup - white cheddar cheese
• 2 tbs - pure maple syrup
• 2 teaspoon - orange zest
• 2 teaspoon - fresh thyme leaves
• ½ teaspoon - Kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon - white pepper
• 2 cup - pecans
• 1 ½ cup - dried cranberries
• ¼ cup - fresh parsley
• ⅛  - Crackers or veggies

Instructions

1. Add the cream cheese, sharp white cheddar cheese, maple syrup, orange zest, thyme, salt, and pepper to a large bowl. Then, tip in half of the pecans and half of the dried cranberries. (Reserve the remaining pecans and cranberries for later). Use a rubber spatula or hand mixer to mix the ingredients together until it is smooth and combined.
2. Portion the cranberry orange cheese using a #40 (1 ounce, 2 Tablespoon) cookie scoop. Roll each portion of cheese between your palms to create smooth balls. Place the cheese balls on a parchment-lined sheet pan and cover. Refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
3. About 15 minutes before serving, remove the cheese balls from the fridge and let them warm up just a bit. Combine the remaining pecans, cranberries, and parsley in a shallow dish or pie plate. Gently roll each cheese ball until the outside is well-coated. If the mixture doesn't stick, use your fingers to gently press the coating on the outside of the cheese balls.
4. Place the prepared cheese balls on a platter. Serve with crackers, pretzels, fruit, vegetables, or other snacks. Enjoy!