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A realistic snowman cheese ball on a wooden platter, decorated with a carrot nose, olive eyes, and a red pepper scarf, surrounded by crackers and winter garnishes.

Festive Snowman Cheese Ball

A fun and creative holiday appetizer, this snowman cheese ball is perfect for winter parties and family gatherings. Easy to make and kid-friendly, it’s a festive way to serve a delicious cheese ball that will impress your guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Resting Time (for chilling) 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 10 Servings
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz Cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese sharp cheddar works best
  • 1 tsp Garlic powder optional, for added flavor
  • 1 tsp Paprika optional, for color and flavor
  • 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp Fresh chives chopped, for garnish
  • 1 small Carrot cut into a small triangle for the nose
  • 2 pieces Black olives sliced, for the eyes
  • 1 strip Red bell pepper cut into a thin strip for the scarf
  • 2 pieces Pretzel sticks for the arms

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Cheese Ball Mixture

  • Instruction: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until smooth and well combined.
    Cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and herbs being mixed in a bowl for a snowman cheese ball.

Step 2: Shape the Snowman

  • Instruction: Divide the mixture into three portions (one large, one medium, and one small). Roll each portion into a ball and stack them to form the snowman’s body. Use toothpicks to secure the layers if needed.
    Hands shaping a snowman cheese ball into three round layers, with olives and carrots ready for decoration.

Step 3: Decorate the Snowman

  • Instruction: Add the olive slices for eyes, a carrot triangle for the nose, and a red bell pepper strip for the scarf. Insert pretzel sticks for the arms. Sprinkle fresh parsley and chives around the base for a festive touch.
    A snowman cheese ball decorated with olive eyes, a carrot nose, and a red pepper scarf, with pretzel stick arms

Step 4: Chill the Cheese Ball

  • Instruction: Place the snowman cheese ball on a serving platter and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
    A snowman cheese ball wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in a refrigerator for chilling.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Instruction: Remove the cheese ball from the fridge, garnish with fresh herbs, and serve with crackers, bread, or veggies.
    A snowman cheese ball on a festive platter with crackers, herbs, and winter garnishes, ready to serve at a holiday party

Notes

  1. Make-Ahead Tip: The cheese ball can be prepared and decorated up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until ready to serve.
  2. Customization: Feel free to use different cheeses or mix-ins like bacon bits or chopped nuts for added flavor.
  3. Kid-Friendly: Let kids help with shaping and decorating the snowman for a fun family activity.
  4. Serving Suggestions: Pair with a variety of crackers, sliced baguettes, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Keyword festive food, holiday appetizer, Snowman cheese ball, winter party snack
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