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Holiday Snowman Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.5 from 19 reviews

This Holiday Snowman Cheese Ball is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy cream cheese blended with fresh herbs, bell pepper, and dried cranberries, it is shaped into a charming snowman decorated with olives, carrot, pretzels, and fresh herbs. Serve with assorted crackers and fresh vegetables for a delightful and visually appealing party centerpiece.

Ingredients

Cheese Ball

  • 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried cranberries
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Decorations and Serving

  • Small black olives, sliced, for snowman eyes and buttons
  • 1 small carrot, peeled and cut into a nose shape
  • 2 thin pretzel sticks, for snowman arms
  • Fresh dill or thyme sprigs, for garnish
  • Assorted crackers, for serving
  • Cherry tomatoes, for serving
  • Green olives, for serving

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, finely chopped red bell pepper, fresh parsley, dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until evenly incorporated.
  2. Divide Mixture: Separate the cheese mixture into two portions: approximately two-thirds for the body and one-third for the head of the snowman.
  3. Shape Cheese Balls: Firmly shape the larger portion into a smooth, round ball for the body and the smaller portion into another smooth ball for the head. Compress well to remove air pockets for a dense, firm shape.
  4. Chill Cheese Balls: Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until very firm. Overnight chilling is recommended for best firmness.
  5. Assemble Snowman: Unwrap the chilled cheese balls and place the larger ball on a serving platter. Gently press the smaller ball on top, securing the head onto the body.
  6. Decorate Snowman: Use sliced black olives to create the snowman's eyes and buttons by pressing them gently into the cheese. Insert the carrot piece as the nose. Push pretzel sticks into the sides for arms. Garnish the top with fresh dill or thyme sprigs to resemble hair or a hat.
  7. Serve: Arrange assorted crackers, cherry tomatoes, and green olives around the snowman on the platter. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Notes

  • Chilling the cheese balls is crucial to maintain the shape and prevent slumping. For best results, chill overnight.
  • You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or cran-rasins for similar flavor and texture.
  • If black olives are not available for decoration, small pieces of capers or peppercorns can be used for eyes and buttons.
  • For an extra festive touch, consider adding a small scarf made from a strip of bell pepper or paring blade-thin slices of red pepper around the neck.
  • This cheese ball can be made a day ahead and stored tightly wrapped in the refrigerator.

Find it online: https://freshfromkitchen.com/holiday-snowman-cheese-ball-recipe/