- Prep-time: / Ready In:
- Makes 2 cups
- Serving size: 2 crackers + ¼ cup hummus cheese
- Print/save recipe
Perfect for the holidays, this festive appetizer from Kiki Nelson comes together in just 10 minutes. Blend creamy hummus with sweet dried cranberries, smoky seasonings, and crunchy pretzels for a flavor-packed twist on a classic. Shape it into a ball then press chopped pecans into the surface for a beautiful, nutty finish. Serve with whole grain crackers, crisp seasonal veggies, or fresh fruit for an easy, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
From PlantifulKiki.com
For more inspiration, check out these tasty ideas:
- Kiki Nelson’s Candy Bar Bites
- Air Fryer Waffle Fries with Dipping Sauce
- Whole Grain Soft Pretzel Bites
By Kiki Nelson,
Ingredients
- 16 oz. oil-free hummus
- 1 cup chopped whole wheat pretzels
- ½ cup sweetened dried cranberries
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup chopped pecans
- 16 whole grain crackers, such as Wasa Whole Grain Crispbreads
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine the first 11 ingredients (through black pepper). Mix until well incorporated.
- With a large spoon, scoop the mixture onto a plate and form it into a ball. (You can use your hands to shape the ball; dampen your hands with water to help keep the hummus from sticking to them.)
- Once the ball is formed, press the chopped pecans onto the surface to cover the ball. Serve with fresh vegetables, seasonal fruit, and whole grain crackers.
Per serving (2 crackers + ¼ cup hummus cheese): 270 calories, 41 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein, 9 g total fat, 1.5 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 160 mg sodium, 8 g fiber, 11 g sugar
Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.
Comments (4)
(5 from 3 votes)I made this for a vegan birthday party and I can’t even describe how much of a hit this was. The birthday girl absolutely loved it as did the guests. One of the guests even asked me to send her the recipe. We used all of the ingredients and folks liked that little “kick” from the crushed red peppers. It wasn’t too much - was just right. I kept being told it was very flavorful. Very easy to make - hardest part was chopping the scallions and mashing the pretzels. Definitely dampen hands when rolling into a ball. I’m more of a dessert girl when it comes to brining things to get togethers. I don’t have a lot of apps on my list. This just shot to the top of that app list. Thank you so much for creating and sharing this wonderful recipe!
Hi Kiki I made this 'cheese' ball and it's delicious! I did not include the Worcester sauce though, because it is for a vegan group, and my Worcester sauce has anchovies in it. Thanks for the interesting recipe!
I made this and wow, I couldn't stop eating it. Took it to a meeting where I had to bring snacks and everyone else loved it too. Didn't mention it was vegan.
We loved this recipe. Best made a couple of hours ahead, but the leftovers do not disappoint. This chz ball will become part of our family holiday tradition.