Description
This festive Reindeer Cheese Ball is a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese combine for a creamy, flavorful base, spiced up with ranch seasoning. Rolled in crunchy pecans and decorated with olives, a cherry tomato, pretzels, and fresh herbs, it makes an adorable centerpiece for any party tray. Serve with crackers or pretzel sticks for a delightful snack everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 blocks cream cheese (8 ounces each), softened at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2–3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
Coating and Decoration
- 2 cups roughly chopped pecans (for coating)
- 2 black olives (medium-sized, pitted, for eyes)
- 1 cherry tomato (for the nose)
- 2 regular-sized pretzels (for the antlers, e.g., Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels)
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (for a festive touch)
Serving Suggestions
- Crackers or pretzel sticks (for serving alongside the cheese ball)
Instructions
- Soften and Mix Cheeses: Allow the cream cheese to soften at room temperature for about 10 minutes to make it easier to mix. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended into a creamy, uniform mixture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Using your hands or a spatula, mold the cheese mixture into a round ball shape. Make sure it is compact and smooth to hold its shape while serving.
- Coat with Pecans: Spread the chopped pecans evenly on a clean plate or shallow dish. Roll the cheese ball gently in the pecans until the entire surface is covered. This gives the cheese ball a crunchy texture and festive look.
- Add Facial Features: Decorate the cheese ball to resemble a reindeer. Place two pitted black olives on the front as eyes. Attach a cherry tomato to serve as the nose near the eyes. Use the pretzels by gently inserting them on the top sides of the cheese ball to act as antlers.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Arrange fresh rosemary or thyme sprigs around the cheese ball or tuck small pieces near the antlers for a festive green touch and added aroma.
- Serve: Place the finished reindeer cheese ball on a serving platter with crackers or pretzel sticks arranged around it. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving if desired.
Notes
- For best results, ensure cream cheese is well softened to ease mixing and shaping.
- You can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
- Fresh herbs are optional but add a lovely festive aroma and visual appeal.
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Use a gentle hand when placing pretzels to avoid breaking them.
