Reindeer Cheese Ball
Celebrate the holiday season with this adorable and delicious Reindeer Cheese Ball! Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning, this festive treat is sure to be the star of your party spread. Coated in crunchy pecans and decorated like a reindeer with pretzels, olives, and a cherry tomato, this fun appetizer is perfect for holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Cook Time: N/A (no cooking required)
- Total Time: 4–6 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: 1 cheese ball (serves about 10–12 people) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Holiday Recipes, Party Food
- Method: No-bake, chilled
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base:
- 2 blocks cream cheese (8 ounces each), softened
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2–3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
Coating and Decorations:
- 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)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme (for a festive touch)
- Crackers or pretzel sticks (for serving alongside the cheese ball)
Instructions
- Prepare the Creamy Base:
Beat the cream cheese and sour cream together in a large mixing bowl until smooth and lump-free. - Add the Cheddar and Ranch Seasoning:
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed for a stronger flavor. - Shape the Cheese Ball:
Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on your countertop. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center, and use the wrap to form it into a round ball. Refrigerate for 4–6 hours or overnight. - Coat with Pecans:
Spread chopped pecans on a plate and gently roll the chilled cheese ball in the pecans, pressing lightly to coat evenly. - Add the Reindeer Decorations:
Insert pretzels into the top for antlers, olives for eyes, and a cherry tomato for the nose. Secure the tomato with a toothpick if needed. - Serve with Style:
Transfer the cheese ball to a platter, and serve with crackers, pretzel sticks, or vegetable slices. Garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
- Refrigerating the cheese ball overnight enhances the flavors and helps it firm up for easy shaping.
- The pecan coating can be replaced with other nuts if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning for a milder or stronger flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/12 of the cheese ball)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Find it online: https://grandmarecipesflash.com/reindeer-cheese-ball/