Name: Reindeer Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 3 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened; 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper; 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, optional; 2 small pretzel twists or sticks for antlers; 2 small black olive halves or 2 black peppercorns for eyes; 1 small piece of red bell pepper for nose; 2 small crackers or almond slivers for ears

Description

A cute and festive reindeer-shaped cheese ball that’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for parties.

Ingredients

Scale

16 ounces full fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup finely chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
2 small pretzel twists or sticks for antlers
2 small black olive halves or 2 black peppercorns for eyes
1 small piece of red bell pepper for nose
2 small crackers or almond slivers for ears

Instructions

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature (1-2 hours). Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finely chop red bell pepper and green onions.
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese until light and fluffy (1-2 minutes). Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
Add in shredded cheeses and chopped vegetables. Mix on low speed or fold with a spatula until just combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Shape the mixture into a reindeer head using plastic wrap.
Wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or overnight until firm.
Optionally, roll the cheese ball in chopped nuts.
Transfer to serving platter, insert pretzels for antlers, add olives or peppercorns for eyes, place red bell pepper for nose, and slivers for ears.
Serve with assorted crackers or vegetables.

Notes

Chilling is essential for shaping. Feel free to customize decorations for different themes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Chilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 300
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: cheese ball, appetizer, party food, holiday food, creamy dip