|

Reindeer Cheese Ball

This easy Reindeer Cheese Ball recipe is a perfect fun and festive holiday snack or cute Christmas appetizer with everyone’s favourite ingredients. Decorated to resemble your favourite holiday reindeer, it’s sure to delight your guests as a centerpiece at Christmas gatherings.

For more cheese balls for Christmas recipes try my jalapeño popper cheese ball, pecan bacon cheese ball and the famous Rosalyn Carter’s Cheese Ring.


Want to save this recipe?

Enter your email below & we’ll send it straight to your inbox. Plus you’ll get great new recipes from us every week!

Save Recipe

Christmas Cheese Ball With Cream Cheese

It is easy to put together and decorating the cream cheese ball like a reindeer transforms it into a crowd-pleasing whimsical showstopper for your holiday table.

Cream cheese gives it the best rich and creamy texture that strikes a perfect balance with the cheddar cheese and pecans.

This ranch cheese ball recipe can be made ahead of time to decorate before serving paired with your favorite crackers, bagel chips, veggies or bread.

Reindeer cheese ball, the perfect appetizers on a plate with crackers.

Also try my popular holiday dips like pecan pie dip, marshmallow fluff fruit dip, cranberry jalapeño dip and 7 layer dip.

Cute holiday apptizer, reindeer cheese ball on a plate with crackers.

Ingredients for Ranch Cheese Ball

Ingredients for reindeer cheese ball on a counter.
  • Cream Cheese
  • Sour Cream
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Ranch Seasoning Mix
  • Pecans
  • Olives
  • Cherry Tomato
  • Pretzels
Holiday appetizer cheese ball served on aplate with black olives, cherry tomatoes and crackers.

Decorating Tip!

If you make a small indent where the olive eyes and tomato nose will go in the cheese ball before the pecans are added, they stick and stay on very well. You can use toothpicks or pretzel sticks to help them stay in place with extra support if needed.

How To Make Reindeer Cheese Ball

Step by step images for how to make a reindeer cheese ball Christmas appetizer for a party.

STEP 0NE – In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well incorporated. (Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature will make it easier to mix.)

STEP TWO – Then add the shredded cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Beat until well combined and evenly distributed. You can start with two tablespoons of the ranch seasoning mix and then taste after it’s blended. Add another tablespoon of the ranch seasoning mix if you want more flavor and then beat again to incorporate. Remember, the flavors will get stronger and meld together as it chills.

STEP THREE – Lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap and pour the cheese ball mixture on top. You want the plastic wrap to be large enough to cover the entire cheese ball and be able to twist it shut. Use the plastic wrap to help mold the cheese mixture into a ball, twist it shut, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. This is to allow the cream cheese to harden back up and hold its shape.

Final steps for how to prepare the reindeer cheese ball.

STEP FOUR – When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and transfer to a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans. Then press the pecans into the cheese ball.

STEP FIVE – Add 2 pretzels on top for the antlers, pressing it into the cheese ball deep enough that it stands on its own.

STEP SIX – Add two black olives for the eyes and one cherry tomato for the nose. You can use toothpicks to secure the eyes and nose in place or you can use pretzel sticks for an edible option.

STEP SEVEN – Surround the cheese ball with crackers for serving and add some fresh herbs for a festive touch if desired.

Enjoy!

Holiday food idea for a Christmas party on a plate.

Can I Make This Cheese Ball Ahead Of Time?

The cheese ball can be made up to 3 days ahead of time and kept covered in the fridge. When ready to serve cover with pecans and decorate.

Storage Instructions

Once decorated it is best enjoyed fresh but you can store any leftovers in the fridge with the decorations removed covered with wrap or in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Reindeer cheeseball on a plate with crackers.

Reindeer Cheese Ball


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Sandra Flegg
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10-12 servings

Description

This easy Reindeer Cheese Ball recipe is a perfect fun and festive holiday snack or appetizer, with everyone’s favourite ingredients. Decorated to resemble your favourite holiday reindeer, it’s sure to delight your guests as a centerpiece at Christmas gatherings.


Ingredients

2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1/3 cup sour cream

8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded

23 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix

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 (I used Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels)


Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well incorporated. (Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature will make it easier to mix.)
  2. Then add the shredded cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Beat until well combined and evenly distributed. You can start with two tablespoons of the ranch seasoning mix and then taste after it’s blended. Add another tablespoon of the ranch seasoning mix if you want more flavor and then beat again to incorporate. Remember, the flavors will get stronger and meld together as it chills.
  3. Lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap and pour the cheese ball mixture on top. You want the plastic wrap to be large enough to cover the entire cheese ball and be able to twist it shut. Use the plastic wrap to help mold the cheese mixture into a ball, twist it shut, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. This is to allow the cream cheese to harden back up and hold its shape.
  4. When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and transfer to a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans. Then press the pecans into the cheese ball.
  5. Add 2 pretzels on top for the antlers, pressing it into the cheese ball deep enough that it stands on its own.
  6. Add two black olives for the eyes and one cherry tomato for the nose. You can use toothpicks to secure the eyes and nose in place or you can use pretzel sticks for an edible option.
  7. Surround the cheese ball with crackers for serving and add some fresh herbs for a festive touch if desired. Enjoy!

Notes

Storage instructions: Once decorated it is best enjoyed fresh but you can store any leftovers in the fridge with the decorations removed covered with wrap or in an airtight container for 5 to 7 days.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Setting Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: No Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star