Description
This festive Reindeer Cheese Ball is a delightful holiday appetizer combining creamy cream cheese, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, and zesty ranch seasoning. Coated with crunchy pecans and decorated with pretzel antlers, olive eyes, and a cherry tomato nose, it’s both charming and delicious. Perfect for parties, this no-cook cheese ball is easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 blocks cream cheese (2 x 8 ounce), softened at room temperature
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
Coating and Decoration
- 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, e.g., Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels)
Instructions
- Mix the cream cheese and sour cream: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well incorporated. Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature beforehand makes mixing easier and ensures a creamy texture.
- Add shredded cheese and ranch seasoning: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix to the bowl. Start by mixing in 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning and beat until evenly combined. Taste the mixture and add the remaining 1 tablespoon if you want stronger flavor, then beat again thoroughly.
- Mold and chill the cheese ball: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on your work surface. Pour the cheese mixture onto the plastic wrap, mold it into a ball shape using the wrap, and twist the wrap shut. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 4-6 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and hold its shape effectively.
- Coat the cheese ball with pecans: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and transfer it to a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans. Press the pecans evenly onto the surface of the cheese ball so it is fully coated, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Decorate with eyes, nose, and antlers: Press two pretzels into the top of the cheese ball to form antlers, ensuring they stand upright. Place two pitted black olives on the ball for eyes and a cherry tomato for the nose. Secure these decorations by making a small indent in the cheese or optionally using toothpicks or pretzel sticks to keep them in place.
- Serve and enjoy: Surround the cheese ball with crackers and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy this festive, flavorful holiday appetizer that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Notes
- Allow cream cheese to fully soften at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Adjust ranch seasoning to taste; start with less and add more if a stronger flavor is desired.
- Chilling time is essential for the cheese ball to firm up well; overnight refrigeration is best.
- Use plastic wrap to help easily shape and remove the cheese ball from the surface.
- Decorations can be secured with toothpicks if needed for stability.
- Serve with a variety of crackers for added texture and flavor options.
