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Reindeer Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Bertha
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This festive Reindeer Cheese Ball is a fun and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning, then coated in crunchy pecans and decorated with pretzels, olives, and a cherry tomato to resemble a reindeer. It’s visually appealing and easy to prepare, sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Mixture

  • 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2–3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix

Coating & Decorations

  • 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 Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well combined. Letting the cream cheese reach room temperature makes mixing easier and ensures a creamy texture.
  2. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix to the bowl. Beat again until evenly blended. Taste the mixture and if desired, add an additional tablespoon of ranch seasoning and beat once more to incorporate the flavors fully.
  3. Shape and Chill: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Pour the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap, then use the wrap to mold the mixture into a ball. Twist the plastic wrap shut and refrigerate the ball for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
  4. Coat with Pecans: When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Spread the chopped pecans on a large plate or shallow bowl and roll or press the cheese ball into the pecans until fully coated.
  5. Decorate as a Reindeer: Press two pretzels into the top of the cheese ball to form antlers, ensuring they stand upright. Use two black olives for the eyes and a cherry tomato for the nose, securing them with toothpicks or pretzel sticks for an edible fixative.
  6. Serve: Place the decorated cheese ball on a serving platter surrounded by crackers and optionally fresh herbs for a festive presentation. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Storage instructions: After decorating, the cheese ball is best enjoyed fresh. Any leftovers should be stored in the refrigerator with decorations removed, wrapped tightly or placed in an airtight container. Consume within 5 to 7 days.
  • Allowing the cheese ball to chill overnight enhances flavor melding and helps firm up the shape for easier coating and decorating.
  • This recipe can be customized by using different nuts or seasoning blends according to your preference.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/12th of cheese ball with pecans)
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 270mg
  • Fat: 19g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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