Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball
Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive
Create a festive centerpiece for your holiday gatherings with this Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball. Packed with cream cheese, herbs, and a medley of delightful flavors, this cheese ball is perfect for spreading on crackers or as a star ingredient on your charcuterie board. Adorned with nuts and cranberries, it adds a pop of color and taste that your guests will love, making it a holiday must-try.
This cheese ball is not only delicious but also visually appealing, making it a great addition to any holiday table.
A Festive Touch
The Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball is not just a dish; it's a celebration of flavors that embodies the spirit of the holiday season. When you place this vibrant cheese ball on your table, it catches the eye with its colorful coating of nuts and cranberries. It's not only about taste, as the presentation alone transforms your culinary spread into a festive masterpiece. Your guests will be drawn to its inviting look, setting the perfect mood for your holiday gathering.
This cheese ball is incredibly versatile, making it an ideal addition to any holiday spread. Whether it's a casual family gathering or a formal dinner party, it seamlessly fits into the occasion. Its creamy texture and rich flavors are perfect for pairing with various accompaniments, from crisp crackers to crusty bread. Each bite is a delightful explosion of taste, ensuring that every guest leaves with a memorable impression of your holiday feast.
Simple and Fun to Make
Crafting the Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball is a simple yet enjoyable task, perfect for cooks of all skill levels. With minimal preparation time, you can whip this up in a flash, leaving you plenty of time to focus on other holiday preparations. The process is straightforward: mix, shape, chill, and coat the cheese ball, and you're all set. This hands-on activity can also be a fun way to engage family members or friends, creating sweet memories in the kitchen as you celebrate the season together.
Not only is it simple to make, but this cheese ball recipe is also highly adaptable. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or switch up the toppings based on personal preferences. Love spicy food? Add some jalapeños. Prefer a sweeter flavor? Toss in some honey or dried fruit variations. The possibilities are endless, allowing you to create a unique version that reflects your tastes and those of your guests.
Perfect for Entertaining
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Mix ingredients well until combined.
Steps
Prepare the Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, feta cheese, fresh herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Form the Cheese Ball
Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.
Coat the Cheese Ball
Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped nuts and cranberries until fully coated.
Serve
Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with crackers or as part of a charcuterie board.
Enjoy your festive cheese ball!
Ingredient Highlights
Choosing high-quality ingredients is crucial for elevating your Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball. Opt for fresh herbs that add a burst of flavor, and select sharp cheddar for that intense taste contrast against the creamy texture of the cream cheese and feta. The addition of chopped nuts not only contributes crunch but also a nutty essence that makes every bite interesting and satisfying.
Dried cranberries are another star ingredient in this recipe. Their slight sweetness offsets the savory flavors wonderfully, ensuring an exquisite balance. When selecting cranberries, look for those that are plump and vibrant in color, as they offer the best texture and flavor. These little details will transform your cheese ball from standard to sensational, impressing your holiday guests.
Serving Suggestions
For the best experience, serve your Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball alongside an assortment of crackers. Choose a variety of textures and flavors, such as plain, herb-infused, or even spicy crackers. This complements the richness of the cheese while allowing your guests to enjoy various combinations at their leisure. Additionally, providing sliced vegetables offers a refreshing contrast that lightens the palate between bites.
Consider pairing your cheese ball with some seasonal beverages to enhance the experience, such as a crisp white wine or a festive holiday punch. A warm glass of mulled wine or apple cider can also create a cozy atmosphere for your gathering. By thoughtfully curating your beverage selections, you’ll heighten the festive spirit, making your event one that everyone remembers fondly.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
→ What can I serve it with?
It's great with crackers, breadsticks, or as part of a cheese platter.
Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball
Create a festive centerpiece for your holiday gatherings with this Delicious Christmas Cheese Ball. Packed with cream cheese, herbs, and a medley of delightful flavors, this cheese ball is perfect for spreading on crackers or as a star ingredient on your charcuterie board. Adorned with nuts and cranberries, it adds a pop of color and taste that your guests will love, making it a holiday must-try.
Created by: Anna Johnson
Recipe Type: Seasonal & Festive
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 8 servings
What You'll Need
Cheese Ball Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
How-To Steps
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, feta cheese, fresh herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least an hour to firm up.
Once chilled, unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped nuts and cranberries until fully coated.
Place the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with crackers or as part of a charcuterie board.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 12g
- Protein: 5g