Reindeer Cheeseball
This Reindeer Cheeseball is an easy, festive holiday appetizer. It’s creamy, cheesy, and savory with just the right crunch from the pecans, and it also makes a cute Christmas table centerpiece. It’s a great make-ahead appetizer for Christmas parties.
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It’s a festive Christmas appetizer for family dinners, holiday potlucks, and even a cute snack idea for kids’ Christmas parties. I love that it takes a simple cheese ball—something you probably already make around the holidays—and turns it into a reindeer-themed spread to serve with your favorite crackers.
Check out also my No-Bake Reindeer Mini Donuts and Holiday Reindeer Cookies.
How to Make a Reindeer Cheeseball
Ingredients you’ll need for this recipe
Step-by-Step Guide
1. In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Letting the cream cheese warm up to room temperature really helps with this step.
2. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Blend until everything is combined. Start with 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and taste. If you want a little more flavor, add another tablespoon!
3. Lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap, pour the cheese mixture on top, and mold it into a ball using the wrap. Twist the wrap shut and pop it into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight if you can wait!).
4. When you’re ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the fridge and place it on a serving plate. Roll it in chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
5. Now for the fun part! Insert the pretzels into the top for antlers, and add the black olives for eyes and the cherry tomato for the nose. If you want extra security, you can use toothpicks to hold them in place.
6. Surround your cheese ball with an array of crackers and maybe a few fresh herbs for an extra festive touch.
Serve and Enjoy!
Important Recipe Notes
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened at room temperature—it blends so much easier this way.
- Chill the cheese ball for at least 4–6 hours so it sets nicely and doesn’t fall apart when rolling in pecans.
- Ranch seasoning can be adjusted to taste—start with 2 tablespoons and add more if you like stronger flavor.
- If you’re worried about the eyes, nose, or antlers slipping, secure them with toothpicks.
- This appetizer can be made a day ahead, which makes holiday prep so much easier!
Reindeer Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 (8 ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened at room temperature
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2-3 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
- In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Letting the cream cheese warm up to room temperature really helps with this step.
- Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Blend until everything is combined. Start with 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and taste. If you want a little more flavor, add another tablespoon!
- Lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap, pour the cheese mixture on top, and mold it into a ball using the wrap. Twist the wrap shut and pop it into the refrigerator. Chill for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight if you can wait!).
- When you’re ready to serve, take the cheese ball out of the fridge and place it on a serving plate. Roll it in chopped pecans, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
- Insert the pretzels into the top for antlers, and add the black olives for eyes and the cherry tomato for the nose. If you want extra security, you can use toothpicks to hold them in place.
- Surround your cheese ball with an array of crackers and maybe a few fresh herbs for an extra festive touch.
Check Out More Christmas Recipe Ideas!
Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
