Rudolph Christmas Cheese Ball
This adorable Rudolph-themed cheese ball combines creamy cheeses with ranch seasoning, coated in crunchy pecans, and decorated to resemble everyone’s favorite reindeer. It’s a fun and tasty appetizer that will charm both kids and adults at your holiday party.
Ingredients
Scale
- Cheese Ball:
- 16 ounces (2 blocks) cream cheese, softened
- 2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ounce package ranch seasoning mix
- Coating:
- 1½ cups finely chopped pecans
- Decoration:
- 2 black olives (for eyes)
- 1 cherry tomato (for nose)
- 2 regular-sized pretzels (for antlers)
- For Serving:
- Assorted crackers and vegetable sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or a handheld electric mixer, blend the ingredients until well combined and smooth.
- Shape and Chill:
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap.
- Use the plastic wrap to shape the mixture into a ball.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, until firm.
- Apply the Coating:
- Place the finely chopped pecans on a shallow plate.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and roll it in the pecans, pressing gently to ensure the entire surface is evenly coated.
- Decorate as Rudolph:
- Eyes:Â Slice the ends off two black olives and attach them to the front of the cheese ball to form eyes.
- Nose:Â Attach a cherry tomato below the eyes to represent Rudolph’s red nose.
- Antlers:Â Insert a pretzel on each side of the top of the cheese ball to create antlers.
- Serve:
- Place the decorated cheese ball on a serving platter.
- Surround with an assortment of crackers and vegetable sticks for dipping.
- Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften slightly for easier spreading.
Notes
- For best results, use freshly shredded cheddar cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may contain additives that can affect texture.
- The cheese ball can be prepared up to three days in advance. Store it wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator, and add the pecan coating and decorations just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.
- Feel free to customize the flavor by adding finely chopped green onions or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture for an extra kick.
Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/rudolph-christmas-cheese-ball/