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Add a festive touch to your holiday table with this adorable Reindeer Cheeseball! It’s a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that guests of all ages love and enjoy.
This Reindeer Cheese Ball is one of my favorite holiday appetizers to bring to a party. It’s not only super cute and festive but also delicious. It is a fun centerpiece at a holiday dinner or great for gifting to neighbors. It brings a smile to anyone who tries it!
What I Love About This Reindeer Cheese Ball
- Make-Ahead Recipe: You can prep this recipe in advance, giving you more time to focus on other tasks when you’re tight on time.
- Versatile: Serve this cheese ball with your favorite crackers, celery sticks, carrots, or your other favorite dippers.
- Family Fun: My kids have so much fun helping me make this Christmas-themed appetizer.
Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Green onions
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dried parsley
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pecans
- Pretzel twists (antlers)
- Pitted black olives (eyes)
- Cranberry or small cherry tomato (nose)
How To Make Reindeer Cheeseball
***This is just a teaser! To see the complete ingredient list and step-by-step instructions, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Add cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, Worcestershire, and seasonings to a large mixing bowl.
- Beat until combined.
- Form the cheese mixture into a ball.
- Spread the chopped pecans onto a baking sheet or pie plate.
- Roll the ball into the chopped pecans. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Add pretzel antlers, olive eyes, and a cranberry or tomato nose. Serve.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- measuring cups
- cheese grater
Crucial Recipe Tips
Here are 2 recipe tips that will ensure recipe success.
- Chill Time: Ensure the cheese ball is well-chilled before serving. This will help it hold its shape and make it easier to decorate.
- Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese for the best flavor and texture.
Make It A Meal
For more festive foods for your holiday celebration, try serving this cheeseball alongside this 7up Salad and this Fizzy Pina Colada Punch.
Storage
SERVE: Serve with crackers and veggies of your choice.
STORE: Store the leftover cheese ball in tightly wrapped plastic wrap in the fridge for up to three days.
FREEZE: Wrap the cheese ball tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and then in two layers of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
THAW: Thaw the cheese ball in the refrigerator overnight. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften slightly.
Recipe FAQs
What can I use instead of pecans?
You can use crushed almonds or walnuts if you do not have pecans. Or try sunflower seeds for a nut-free option.
What crackers work best with this cheeseball?
Choose a sturdy cracker such as a wheat-thin, Triscuit, or pita chip.
Can I use different cheeses?
You can substitute the cheddar cheese for another cheese, such as cheddar or your other favorite. Just note it will alter the overall flavor of the cheese ball.
Can you freeze a cheeseball?
Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in two layers of plastic wrap and then in two layers of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Please note that the texture might be slightly different after freezing, but it will still be delicious.
More Appetizers
Reindeer Cheeseball
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
FOR THE CHEESE BALL:
- 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
COATING:
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
DECORATIONS:
- 2 large pretzel twists, for the antlers
- 2 medium pitted black olives, for the eyes
- cranberry or small red cherry tomato, for the nose
Instructions
MAKE CHEESE BALL MIXTURE:
- Add cream cheese to a large bowl and beat until smooth.
- Add shredded cheese, onions, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings.
- Blend until well combined.
FORM CHEESE BALL:
- Chop pecans and spread in a thin layer on a baking sheet or working surface.
- Form cheese mixture into a ball.
- Roll in pecans.
- Wrap in plastic and chill in the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving.
DECORATE AND SERVE:
- When you are ready to serve, add the antlers and face to make the reindeer. Use pretzel twists for the antlers, pitted black olives for the eyes, and a cranberry or small cherry tomato for the nose.
- Serve with crackers of your choice.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
