Snowman Cheese Ball

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A festive Christmastime appetizer made with creamy cheeses and zesty ranch seasoning, shaped into an irresistibly cute snowman centerpiece to spread holiday cheer!

Prep Time10

Total Time4 10

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: appetizer, cheese ball, Christmas, snowman

Servings: servings

Calories: 158kcal

Author: Sara

Ingredients

2 - 8 oz blocks cream cheese room temperature
3 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese room temperature
1 oz package ranch seasoning mix
1 ½ cups finely shredded Monterey jack cheese
1 baby carrot for nose
11 whole peppercorns for buttons, eyes and mouth
rosemary sprigs for arms and hat

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning.
With the mixture, form two balls. One ball should be smaller for the head and the other should be larger for the body.
Place each ball on a separate piece of plastic wrap and gently wrap them completely. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, press finely shredded jack cheese onto the head and body.
On a serving tray, place the body with the head on top. Cut the tip of the baby carrot off and add a nose onto the head.
Using the peppercorns, add buttons, eyes, and a mouth.
Add rosemary sprigs for arms and hat.
Serving immediately with crackers.

Notes

Double the Recipe for a Crowd: If you’re hosting a larger gathering, double the recipe and create two snowmen or a snowman family for extra charm and servings.

Grease for Easy Shaping: Lightly grease your hands with a small amount of olive or avocado oil before rolling the cheese mixture to prevent sticking and create smooth, even balls.

Pre-Shape for Ease: If you’re short on time before serving, shape the cheese balls in advance, wrap them tightly, and store them in the fridge until needed.

Garnish for Impact: Sprinkle the tray with crushed crackers, fresh herbs, or edible glitter for a festive, finished look that wows your guests.

Add More Festive Touches: Use small cookie cutters to create festive shapes from cheese slices or vegetables to serve as decorative accents around the snowman.

Warm Up Slightly: Let the assembled cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before serving to make it easier to spread.

Make Serving Easy: Use a butter spreader or cheese knife for serving to prevent crackers from breaking, as the cheese ball may still be firm even when softened.

Nutrition