Description
Christmas cheer meets Nordic charm in this Reindeer Cheese Ball, delighting holiday gatherings with whimsical design and creamy flavor. Crafted from smooth cream cheese and adorned with playful antlers, guests will adore this festive appetizer that brings playful spirit to seasonal celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- 8-ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup sour cream
Seasoning and Flavoring:
- 23 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups roughly chopped pecans
Decorative Ingredients:
- 2 medium pitted black olives
- 1 cherry tomato
- 2 regular sized pretzels (Snyders Olde Tyme Pretzels)
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whip cream cheese and sour cream until achieving a velvety, uniform consistency, ensuring no lumps remain.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar and ranch seasoning into the mixture, carefully balancing flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning, understanding that flavor intensity will develop during chilling.
- Transfer cheese mixture onto a plastic wrap-covered surface, using the wrap to shape into a compact, rounded form. Seal edges tightly and refrigerate for 4-6 hours, allowing the mixture to solidify and maintain structural integrity.
- Remove chilled cheese ball from refrigerator and generously coat exterior with finely chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure complete coverage and maximum adherence.
- Transform cheese ball into a playful reindeer by strategically positioning pretzel sticks as antlers, black olive slices for eyes, and a vibrant cherry tomato as the signature red nose. Gently press decorative elements to secure placement.
- Arrange the whimsical reindeer cheese creation on a serving platter surrounded by an assortment of crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable crudités, inviting guests to indulge in this festive appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese and sour cream are at room temperature for smoother blending, preventing lumps and creating a silky texture.
- Taste the ranch seasoning gradually, understanding that flavors intensify during chilling, avoiding overpowering the cheese mixture.
- Extended refrigeration helps the cheese ball set firmly, making it easier to shape and maintain structural integrity.
- Press chopped pecans gently but firmly to create an even, adherent coating that adds crunch and visual appeal.
- Use small food items like olives and pretzels carefully, ensuring they’re securely embedded to prevent falling off during serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours (on high) or 6 hours (on low)
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Nordic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 60mg