And it’s healthy. Yes, you read that right.

Story by: Recipe provided by Erin Wiedmar, clinical nutritionist, N Good Health on December 16, 2016

Your favorite holiday indulgences can be healthy, too! (Even cheese balls!) Save you and your guests the stress of choosing between healthy and tasty, and serve up an appetizer that’s both!

Sweet and Creamy Ranch Cheese Ball 

Serves 16

3 8-ounce packages Greek yogurt cream cheese, softened

1 package organic ranch dressing mix

2 cups finely chopped spinach (frozen, thawed and drained well, or fresh)

3 cups part-skim cheddar cheese, finely shredded

8 ounces natural blackberry preserves or fruit spread

4 ounces pecans, chopped

Mix cream cheese, ranch dressing mix and spinach until smooth. Line a clear bowl or saucepan with plastic wrap, letting it hang over the edges.

Layer the ingredients in this order: pecans, cream cheese mixture, then shredded cheese. Continue layering until you use all the ingredients.

Refrigerate the bowl or pan for at least two to three hours.

Invert the bowl or pan over a plate. Spread preserves on top of the cheese ball. Serve with a variety of whole-wheat crackers.

Nutrition information per serving (includes four whole-wheat crackers)
206 calories, 12.8 g fat, 5.3 g saturated fat, 209 mg sodium, 8.9 g protein ​