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Reindeer Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 63 reviews
  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This festive Reindeer Cheese Ball is a fun and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and ranch seasoning, it’s rolled in crunchy pecans and decorated with pretzels, olives, and a cherry tomato to resemble a reindeer. Chilling the cheese ball allows it to firm up and develop rich flavors, making it an irresistible party centerpiece.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 blocks cream cheese (2 x 8 ounces), softened at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 8 ounces medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 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, e.g., Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until the mixture is smooth and fully incorporated. Softening the cream cheese beforehand will make this step easier.
  2. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and 3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix. Start with 2 tablespoons, beat well, taste, then add the remaining tablespoon if you desire stronger flavor. Beat again until evenly combined. Note that flavor intensifies as the mixture chills.
  3. Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to help mold it into a round ball. Twist the plastic wrap closed to hold the shape securely.
  4. Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 4 to 6 hours, or preferably overnight. Chilling firms up the cheese ball so it holds its shape for serving.
  5. Coat with Pecans: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap. Place it onto a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans, pressing the nuts into the surface to coat evenly.
  6. Add the Antlers and Face: Insert two pretzels on top of the cheese ball, pressing them in enough so they stand upright as antlers. Add two black olives for the eyes and one cherry tomato for the nose. You may use toothpicks or pretzel sticks to secure these decorations if needed.
  7. Serve: Surround the decorated cheese ball with crackers and optional fresh herbs for a festive presentation. Enjoy as a delicious appetizer at your holiday party!

Notes

  • Creating small indents in the cheese ball improves adhesion of the olive eyes and cherry tomato nose without needing toothpicks.
  • Use toothpicks or pretzel sticks to secure decorations if they seem loose.
  • Chilling the cheese ball overnight enhances flavor and firmness.
  • Serve with a variety of crackers or fresh vegetables for dipping.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/10th of cheese ball with coating)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 35 mg

Find it online: https://jessicasrecipes.com/reindeer-cheese-ball-recipe/