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Festive Reindeer Cheese Ball Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 72 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • 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 delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. A creamy blend of cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning forms the base, rolled in crunchy pecans and decorated with olives, a cherry tomato, and pretzels to create an adorable reindeer shape. Easy to prepare and crowd-pleasing, it pairs wonderfully with crackers for a savory snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese 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 & 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 (Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels recommended)

Instructions

  1. Prepare cheese base: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well combined. Softening the cream cheese at room temperature beforehand will make mixing easier.
  2. Add cheese and seasoning: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix. Beat until thoroughly combined. Taste the mixture and add an additional tablespoon of ranch seasoning if more flavor is desired, then beat again to incorporate.
  3. Shape and chill: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and pour the cheese mixture onto it. Use the plastic wrap to help mold the mixture into a ball, twisting the wrap tightly to seal. Refrigerate for at least 4–6 hours, or overnight for best results, to allow the cheese ball to firm up and hold its shape.
  4. Coat with pecans: Remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge and transfer it to a large plate or shallow bowl filled with the chopped pecans. Press the pecans firmly into the surface of the cheese ball to coat evenly.
  5. Decorate reindeer features: Insert two pretzels on top of the cheese ball to represent antlers, pressing them deeply enough to stand upright. Add two pitted black olives as eyes and a cherry tomato as the nose. Secure these with toothpicks or edible pretzel sticks as needed.
  6. Serve: Arrange crackers around the cheese ball on the platter. Add fresh herbs if desired for a festive touch. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Storage: Once decorated, the cheese ball is best enjoyed fresh. Any leftovers should have decorations removed and be stored covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5 to 7 days.
  • Soften cream cheese well at room temperature for easier mixing.
  • Adjust ranch seasoning to taste; flavors develop further during chilling.
  • Use toothpicks or pretzel sticks to securely attach decoration pieces.
  • Can be prepared a day in advance and chilled overnight for enhanced flavor melding.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/12 of cheese ball
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

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