Description
This Reindeer Cheese Ball is a festive and delicious Christmas appetizer that’s both fun and easy to make. Crafted from creamy cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning, it’s shaped into a playful reindeer adorned with crunchy pecans, olive eyes, a cherry tomato nose, and pretzel antlers. Perfect for holiday parties, this cheese ball brings a charming touch to your appetizer spread while delivering rich, savory flavors everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2–3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
Coating and Decoration
- 2 cups roughly chopped pecans
- 2 medium pitted black olives, for the eyes
- 1 cherry tomato, for the nose
- 2 regular sized pretzels, for the antlers (Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Ball Mixture: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Use a sturdy spoon or spatula to thoroughly mix all ingredients until smooth and evenly blended.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands, form the cheese mixture into a tight ball shape on a serving plate. Aim for a smooth surface to help the coating adhere nicely.
- Coat with Pecans: Spread the roughly chopped pecans evenly onto a flat surface or plate. Roll the cheese ball gently in the pecans until it is completely covered to create a festive nutty crust.
- Add Facial Features: Place the two pitted black olives on the ball to create the reindeer’s eyes, positioning them appropriately to mimic a face.
- Attach the Nose: Press a cherry tomato onto the front center of the cheese ball to serve as the reindeer’s nose, adding a pop of color and holiday cheer.
- Insert the Antlers: Gently insert two regular sized pretzels on top of the cheese ball as antlers. Make sure they are firmly in place to hold the shape.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up. Serve with crackers, bread slices, or fresh vegetables for dipping.
Notes
- Soften the cream cheese well to ensure easy mixing and a smooth texture.
- Adjust ranch seasoning according to your taste preference; start with 2 tablespoons and add more if desired.
- Chill the cheese ball to help it hold its shape better when serving.
- Use medium cheddar cheese for balanced flavor; sharp cheddar can be used for extra tang.
- For a crunchy texture, finely chop pecans but avoid turning into powder.
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cheese ball, holiday appetizer, reindeer cheese ball, cream cheese appetizer, festive appetizer, pecan cheese ball