Description

This festive Rudolph Cheese Ball is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday parties. Creamy cream cheese blended with sharp cheddar and a kick of hot horseradish mustard, coated in crunchy crushed pecans, and decorated to resemble Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It’s easy to prepare, makes a fun centerpiece, and pairs wonderfully with crackers, pretzels, chips, or veggie sticks.

Ingredients

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Main Ingredients

8 oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 tbsp Silver Springs Beer'n Brat Hot Horseradish Mustard or any variety of hot horseradish mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Onion Powder
1/2 cup Crushed Pecans (for coating)

For Decorating

1 Cherry Tomato (red nose)
2 Black Olives (eyes)
2 Twisted Pretzels (antlers)

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Instructions

Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, hot horseradish mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
Shape and Chill: Transfer the combined cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help form the mixture into a round ball shape. Wrap tightly and place in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the cheese ball to firm up and hold its shape.
Coat with Pecans: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll the cheese ball gently in the crushed pecans, pressing slightly to make sure the nuts adhere well and coat the entire surface evenly.
Decorate the Cheese Ball: Use your fingers to make small indents on the cheese ball for placing the decorative components. Insert two black olives to serve as eyes, a cherry tomato for the red nose, and twisted pretzels on top to represent antlers, creating Rudolph’s festive face.
Serve: Present the Rudolph Cheese Ball on a serving platter accompanied by crackers, pretzels, chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Enjoy this festive and delicious appetizer with your guests!

Notes

For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing to avoid lumps.
The hot horseradish mustard can be substituted with any variety you prefer for different heat levels.
This cheese ball can be made a day ahead; just cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Feel free to customize the coating by using crushed almonds, walnuts, or even paprika for a color variation.
Use fresh vegetables or different types of crackers as dippers to suit dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 10 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 25 mg