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, walnuts, or a mix (optional coating); 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, pimento, or sun-dried tomato (for nose); 2 small crackers, almond slivers, or sliced almonds (for ears)

Description

A festive and fun cheese ball that combines a creamy center with a nutty exterior, perfect for holiday gatherings.

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, walnuts, or a mix (optional coating)
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, pimento, or sun-dried tomato (for nose)
2 small crackers, almond slivers, or sliced almonds (for ears)

Instructions

Soften cream cheese and prepare cheeses by shredding cheddar and Monterey Jack, and finely chopping red bell pepper and green onions.
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on medium speed until light and fluffy, then add Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt; beat until fully incorporated.
Fold in cheddar, Monterey Jack, red bell pepper, and green onions until just combined.
Shape the cheese mixture into a rounded reindeer head using plastic wrap.
Chill the cheese ball for at least 2–3 hours, preferably overnight.
Unwrap the cheese ball and coat with chopped nuts, pressing gently to adhere.
Decorate with pretzel twists for antlers, black olive halves or peppercorns for eyes, and red bell pepper or pimento for the nose. Add crackers or almond slivers for ears.
Serve immediately with assorted crackers and vegetables.

Notes

For best texture and handling, chill the cheese ball overnight before decorating. Serve with a variety of dippers for an attractive presentation.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 250
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: cheese ball, holiday appetizer, festive party food, make-ahead, vegetarian appetizer