Description
A festive reindeer-themed cheese ball that’s creamy, crunchy, and perfect for holiday 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 (or to taste)
- 1 cup finely chopped pecans, walnuts, or a mix (optional coating)
- 2 small pretzel twists or pretzel 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 – Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for 1-2 hours. Shred cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Finely chop red bell pepper and green onions.
- Combine base ingredients – 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. Beat until fully incorporated and scrape down the bowl sides.
- Fold in cheeses and vegetables – Add the shredded cheeses, red bell pepper, and green onions. Mix on low speed or with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Shape the reindeer head – Scrape the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap. Shape it into an oval for the reindeer’s head. Pull a small portion from the front bottom to create a snout.
- Chill the cheese ball – Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours or overnight until firm.
- Add nutty coating (optional) – Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball. Roll it in finely chopped nuts until coated.
- Decorate the reindeer – Transfer the cheese ball to a serving platter and insert pretzel twists or sticks for antlers. Press olives or peppercorns for eyes, and attach red pepper or tomato for a nose. Add crackers, almond slivers, or sliced almonds for ears.
- Serve and enjoy – Surround with assorted crackers, pita bread, or vegetable strips for a festive presentation.
Notes
Make sure to chill the cheese ball sufficiently to maintain its shape. Feel free to customize coatings and decorations as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cheese ball, festive party food, reindeer cheese ball, easy dip