Rudolph Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe

Introduction

The Rudolph Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive and fun appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. With creamy cheese, crunchy pecans, and charming pretzel antlers, this cheese ball is sure to be a hit with guests of all ages.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
• 2 black olives
• 1 cherry tomato
• 2 regular pretzels
• Ritz crackers (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until fully incorporated.
2. Step 2: Using gloves if desired, roll the mixture into a ball shape.
3. Step 3: Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the fridge to chill for about 4 hours, or until firm enough to handle.
4. Step 4: Place the chopped pecans in a bowl and break up any larger pieces.
5. Step 5: Using gloves again if preferred, scoop pecans into your hand and press them onto the cheese ball, covering it evenly except for the flat bottom so it can sit properly. It’s okay if you don’t use all the pecans.
6. Step 6: For the antlers, break each pretzel in half and remove the middle sections from the best pieces. If you prefer, use whole pretzels instead.
7. Step 7: Insert one pretzel antler into the top left side of the cheese ball and the other on the top right side.
8. Step 8: Push toothpicks into place to serve as the eyes and nose, leaving the pointed ends slightly sticking out.
9. Step 9: Cut the olives in half and use the sides without the hole as eyes, gently attaching them to the toothpicks.
10. Step 10: Attach the cherry tomato to a toothpick for the nose and gently push it into the cheese ball so it nestles in neatly.
11. Step 11: Serve the Rudolph cheese ball on a platter with your favorite crackers and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• Use a combination of smoked and sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor.
• Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred.
• For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture.
• Try different cracker varieties such as water crackers or wheat crackers for serving.

Storage

Store any leftover cheese ball tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to serve again, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes for the best flavor and texture. Avoid freezing as it may change the consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this cheese ball in advance?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling overnight, allowing the flavors to meld. Just assemble the cheese ball and cover it well before refrigerating.

What can I use if I don’t have pretzels for the antlers?

You can use pretzel sticks or small breadsticks as an alternative. Even thin carrot sticks can work for a healthier option.

Rudolph Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 69 reviews

• Author: Thomas
• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8–10 people 1x

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Description

Celebrate the holidays with this festive Rudolph Christmas Cheese Ball, a creamy cheddar and cream cheese blend coated in crunchy pecans, decorated with pretzel antlers, olive eyes, and a cherry tomato nose. Perfect for holiday gatherings, served with crackers for a delightful appetizer everyone will love.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese Ball Mixture

• 16 Ounces Cream Cheese (room temperature)
• 2 ½ Cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
• 1 ounce Ranch Seasoning Mix

Coating and Decorations

• 1 Cup Chopped Pecans
• 2 Black Olives
• 1 Cherry Tomato
• 2 Pretzels (regular size, not mini)

Serving

• Ritz Crackers (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Cheese Mixture. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until well blended to ensure an even flavor throughout your cheese ball.
2. Form the Cheese Ball. Using gloves if desired, roll the mixture into a tight ball shape. This helps the mixture hold together and makes it easier to coat later.
3. Chill the Cheese Ball. Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator to chill for about 4 hours or until firm enough to handle easily.
4. Prepare Pecan Coating. Place the chopped pecans in a small bowl and break any large pieces into smaller bits to create an even coating.
5. Coat the Cheese Ball with Pecans. Wearing gloves if preferred, scoop some chopped pecans into your hand and press them onto the surface of the cheese ball. Continue pressing pecans evenly over the ball, leaving the flat bottom side bare so the cheese ball will sit properly on a platter. This step may be a bit challenging as the cheese ball will be firm from chilling, but keep pressing until mostly covered.
6. Make Pretzel Antlers. Break the two regular pretzels in half and remove the smaller center portions from the best pieces to shape the antlers. If preferred, use whole pretzels without breaking them.
7. Attach Pretzel Antlers. Insert one pretzel antler into the top left side of the cheese ball and the other into the top right side to create Rudolph’s antlers.
8. Prepare Eyes and Nose. Cut each black olive in half. Use the side without the big hole as the eyes, gently attaching each half to toothpicks by the thicker edge for stability.
9. Insert Eyes. Push the olive-attached toothpicks into the cheese ball where the eyes should be, leaving the pointy part slightly poking out for easy placement.
10. Add Nose. Attach the cherry tomato to a toothpick and gently push it into the cheese ball where the nose would naturally sit, nestling it closely to create a realistic Rudolph look.
11. Serve and Enjoy. Place the decorated cheese ball on a serving platter surrounded by your favorite crackers, such as Ritz, and enjoy this festive appetizer at your holiday gatherings!

Notes

• For easiest handling and shaping, chill the cream cheese before mixing.
• Gloves are optional but recommended for easier shaping and cleanup.
• The pecan coating adds great texture; feel free to substitute with other nuts if preferred.
• Use whole pretzels for antlers for a simpler assembly if breaking pretzels is inconvenient.
• Keep the flat bottom part of the cheese ball uncovered so it sits flat on your serving dish and doesn’t roll.
• This cheese ball can be made a day in advance; just keep it refrigerated until serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cheese ball, holiday snack, cheddar cheese, festive appetizer, party food, no-bake appetizer