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 (scallions); 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 coating); 2 small pretzel twists or sticks (for antlers); 2 small black olive halves or black peppercorns (for eyes); 1 small piece of red bell pepper or sun-dried tomato (for nose); 2 small crackers or almond slivers (for ears)

Description

This playful Reindeer Cheese Ball is a crowd-pleasing holiday centerpiece — creamy, savory, and dressed up like Rudolph for extra cheer. It’s easy to make ahead and looks impressive without a lot of fuss.

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 (scallions)
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 coating)
2 small pretzel twists or sticks (for antlers)
2 small black olive halves or black peppercorns (for eyes)
1 small piece of red bell pepper or sun-dried tomato (for nose)
2 small crackers or almond slivers (for ears)

Instructions

Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature, about 1–2 hours out of the fridge.
Prepare Cheeses: Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and finely chop the red bell pepper and scallions.
Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt; mix until combined.
Fold in Cheeses & Vegetables: Add shredded cheeses and chopped veggies; mix until just combined.
Shape the Reindeer Head: Scrape mixture onto plastic wrap and shape into an oval or teardrop shape.
Chill the Cheese Ball: Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight.
Add Nutty Coating: Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped nuts (if using).
Decorate the Reindeer: Insert pretzel antlers, olive eyes, and red nose. Use crackers for ears.
Serve and Enjoy: Place on a platter surround with assorted crackers and veggies.

Notes

Chill overnight for best results and ensure the cream cheese is properly softened for a smooth mixture.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: holiday appetizer, cheese ball, festive food, party snack, easy recipe