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Holiday Snowman Cheese Ball Recipe

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4.6 from 43 reviews

This festive Holiday Snowman Cheese Ball is a delightful centerpiece and appetizer made with cream cheese, fresh herbs, dried cranberries, and colorful vegetables. Shaped into a charming snowman and garnished with olives, carrots, and pretzels, it’s perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Cheese Ball Mixture

  • 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

Decoration

  • 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 the softened cream cheese, finely chopped red bell pepper, finely chopped fresh parsley, finely chopped dried cranberries, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed and well incorporated.
  2. Divide and Shape: Divide the cheese mixture into two portions: two-thirds for the body and one-third for the head. Firmly shape the larger portion into a smooth, round ball for the snowman’s body and the smaller portion into another smooth, round ball for the head, compressing well to remove air pockets.
  3. Chill Cheese Balls: Wrap each cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or until very firm. For best results, chill overnight to ensure the snowman holds its shape perfectly.
  4. Assemble Snowman: Once chilled, unwrap the cheese balls. Place the larger body ball on a serving platter and gently center the smaller head ball on top, pressing gently to secure.
  5. Decorate: Use sliced black olives to create the snowman’s eyes and buttons by pressing them gently into the cheese. Insert the carrot piece for the nose and push pretzel sticks into the sides for arms. Garnish the top with fresh dill or thyme sprigs to imitate hair or a hat.
  6. 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

  • For a firmer texture, chill the cheese balls overnight to ensure they hold their shape well.
  • You can substitute dried cranberries with dried cherries or raisins for a different flavor.
  • If you prefer a milder cheese, mix in some softened goat cheese with the cream cheese.
  • To make the snowman more festive, consider adding edible glitter or colored peppercorns for extra decoration.
  • Use gluten-free crackers to make this appetizer suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.

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