Name: Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-490442H19M24S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups gouda cheese, shredded; ½ cup chives, chopped; ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, finely shredded; 9 whole cloves (for eyes and mouth); 4 raisins (for buttons); 2 pretzel sticks (for arms); 1 baby carrot (for nose)

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and utterly delicious appetizer that will wow everyone at your next gathering, then you have to try this Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe. It’s super creamy, packed with flavor, and honestly, just a blast to make—plus, it doubles as an adorable centerpiece. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time, and once you try it, I bet you’ll feel the same way!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & Fun Presentation: Your guests will be instantly charmed by this snowman-shaped cheeseball—it’s a conversation starter that looks as good as it tastes.
Creamy & Flavorful Blend: The combination of gouda and cream cheese creates a smooth, rich texture with just the right sharpness.
Simple to Make: Using a food processor takes the fuss out of mixing and shaping so you can have it ready with minimal effort.
Customizable Decor: You can switch up the veggies and garnishes to match your style or holiday theme.

The dish shows a two-layer snowman made of shredded cheese balls. The bottom layer is a bigger round ball covered in light yellow shredded cheese, decorated with three dark raisins as buttons down the center front. The top layer is a smaller cheese ball on top, with two dark cloves for eyes, a small orange carrot piece for the nose, and a smile made from several cloves. On each side of the middle layer, there is a pretzel stick placed as arms. Around the snowman, there are fresh orange baby carrots, light green celery sticks, and round whole-grain crackers. The whole setup is on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese, festive cheeseball appetizer, holiday cheese ball recipe, cute Christmas cheese ball, easy party appetizer

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe work beautifully together to create that creamy yet sturdy texture you want in a cheeseball. Gouda adds a nutty depth, while the cream cheese keeps things smooth and spreadable. Plus, the chives and sun-dried tomatoes bring in fresh and tangy bursts.

Flat lay of a small block of soft cream cheese, a small pile of shredded gouda cheese, a handful of chopped fresh chives, a small white bowl with chopped oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a mound of finely shredded mozzarella cheese, nine whole whole cloves, four plump raisins, two salty whole pretzel sticks, and a single fresh baby carrot halved lengthwise—all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese, festive cheeseball appetizer, holiday cheese ball recipe, cute Christmas cheese ball, easy party appetizer

Cream Cheese: Make sure it’s softened so it blends easily without lumps.
Gouda Cheese: Freshly shredded works best—avoid pre-shredded as it often has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
Chives: Adds a mild oniony pop; fresh chives brighten the flavor tremendously.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed varieties are best for extra flavor and moisture; remember to drain well.
Garlic Powder: For that subtle, savory kick without overpowering the cheese.
Mozzarella Cheese: Finely shredded to coat the snowman and add that snowy white finish.
Whole Cloves: Perfect for the eyes and mouth—don’t skip this detail, it really brings personality!
Raisins: I like these for buttons; they add a bit of natural sweetness and texture.
Pretzel Sticks: A surprisingly perfect choice for sturdy snowman arms with a salty crunch.
Baby Carrot: A natural, colorful nose that’s just the right size and shape.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over the years, I’ve tried mixing up some ingredients to keep things interesting—and honestly, it just invites you to get creative.

Herbs and Spices: I once swapped chives for fresh dill and added a pinch of smoked paprika. It gave the cheeseball a fun, smoky twist that my family couldn’t get enough of.
Dairy Swap: If you want it a bit lighter, try half the cream cheese and half ricotta, or switch gouda for cheddar for a sharper flavor.
Vegan Version: Using dairy-free cream cheese and a smoked almond cheese can mimic the texture and flavor fairly well.
Decorations: Feel free to switch raisins for small olives, and use mini bell peppers for the nose instead of carrots—customize based on what you have!

How to Make Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Blend the Cheeses Until Super Creamy

Start by combining the softened cream cheese and shredded gouda in a food processor. This step is crucial because it eliminates any lumps and ensures a silky-smooth base for your cheeseball. Pulse it a few times until creamy. If you don’t have a processor, don’t worry—mixing by hand with a spoon works fine; it’s just a bit more elbow grease. I discovered this trick when I forgot mine one holiday, and the texture was still great, just take your time to blend well.

Step 2: Fold in Chives, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, and Garlic Powder

Once your cheese blend is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Gently stir in the chopped chives, sun-dried tomatoes (make sure they’re well-drained so the mixture isn’t too wet), and garlic powder. These ingredients add color, freshness, and a subtle tang that really make the cheeseball exciting to eat.

Step 3: Shape and Chill Your Snowman Parts

Now comes the fun part—shaping! Make one large ball for the body and one smaller ball for the head. Once shaped, press the finely shredded mozzarella cheese all over both balls. This gives that snowy white look which is essential for the snowman vibe. Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up. Patience is key here; the chill helps with assembly and holding the shape.

Step 4: Stack and Decorate Your Snowman

After chilling, carefully stack the smaller ball on top of the larger one. I use a toothpick or small wooden skewer right through the center to keep them steady—trust me, this step saves you from a holiday disaster! Then get creative with your decorations: slice a baby carrot into a cute nose, press two cloves in for eyes, and arrange seven or so cloves to create a friendly smiling mouth. For buttons, I love pressing raisins sideways—it adds a nice texture contrast. Finish by tucking two pretzel sticks into the sides for arms. It’s so charming; your guests won’t want to eat it!

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Pro Tips for Making Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe

Soften Cream Cheese Properly: I always set mine out about an hour before starting; trying to mix cold cream cheese just doesn’t give the right texture.
Drain Sun-Dried Tomatoes Well: Excess oil or moisture can make your cheeseball too soft and tricky to shape.
Use a Toothpick for Stability: This prevents the head from tumbling off and keeps it clean-looking when serving.
Wrap Tightly in Plastic: This helps the cheese absorb flavors and keeps it from drying out in the fridge.

How to Serve Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe

Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to stick with the classic garnishes here—pretzels for arms, carrot nose, cloves, and raisins—because they create a playful look that’s instantly recognizable. But sometimes I’ll toss on some fresh parsley around the base, which adds a festive green pop and a fresh herby scent. It really elevates the presentation!

Side Dishes

Sturdy crackers are your best bet for pairing, especially ones that won’t crumble under the creamy snowman. Whole grain or herb-flavored crackers work beautifully. I also love serving this alongside fresh veggie sticks like celery and bell pepper strips—it balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve arranged the snowman on a platter surrounded by crunchy snowflake-shaped pita chips and a sprinkle of edible rosemary “pine needles.” Once, I built a small winter scene using shredded coconut as snow around the base, adding miniature peppermint sticks as candy canes for the final touch. It really got all the kids (and adults!) excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover snowman cheeseball will keep beautifully wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I’ve found the flavor even deepens a little overnight, so it’s just as tasty the next day. Just be sure to keep the decorations intact or remove them before storing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This cheeseball freezes okay if you’re looking to prep ahead, but I recommend freezing before decorating. Wrap tightly in plastic and then foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture is surprisingly close to fresh. Just skip the decorations until ready to serve for best results.

Reheating

Since this is best served cold or at room temperature, I don’t recommend reheating. When you take it out of the fridge, let it sit for about 15 minutes at room temp to soften up slightly—that’s when it’s easiest to spread and enjoy!

FAQs

Can I make the Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just keep it tightly wrapped and refrigerated until you’re ready to assemble and decorate.
What can I use if I don’t have gouda cheese?

If gouda isn’t available, sharp cheddar is a great substitute. It provides a similar richness and melts smoothly into the cream cheese base.
How do I prevent the cheeseball from being too soft?

Make sure to drain the sun-dried tomatoes well, and refrigerate the shaped balls for at least 2 hours. Also, avoid adding too much liquid or oil-packed ingredients that aren’t drained properly.
Can the Snowman Cheeseball be frozen?

Yes, you can freeze it before decorating, wrapped tightly in plastic and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge, but add the decorations fresh to maintain that cute appearance.

Final Thoughts

This Snowman Cheeseball with Gouda and Cream Cheese Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it combines a little whimsy with seriously tasty comfort food. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday party or a winter gathering, I promise it’s always a conversation starter and crowd-pleaser. Give it a try—you’ll find the joy isn’t just in eating it, but in assembling this adorable, flavorful snowman with your loved ones. Happy cooking, friend!