Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite Thanksgiving appetizer: the turkey cheeseball! This savory delight is not just a hit at our gatherings; it’s become a cherished family tradition. Every year, as the leaves turn and the aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, I whip up this cheesy, flavorful ball of goodness. Trust me, when you serve this turkey cheeseball at your Thanksgiving table, it’ll disappear faster than the mashed potatoes! It’s creamy, packed with tender shredded turkey, and the perfect companion for crunchy crackers or fresh veggies. I love how easy it is to make, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser. You’ll definitely want to add this turkey cheeseball Thanksgiving to your holiday menu!

Ingredients List

For this delightful turkey cheeseball, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Start with 8 oz of softened cream cheese—this is the base that gives it that rich, creamy texture. Then, grab 1 cup of shredded turkey, preferably leftover from your Thanksgiving feast! Next, you’ll want 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese for that sharp, cheesy flavor. Don’t forget 1/4 cup of chopped green onions and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans for crunch and freshness. Finally, season it up with 1 tsp each of garlic and onion powder, plus 1/2 tsp each of salt and pepper, and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce to tie it all together.

How to Prepare the Turkey Cheeseball Thanksgiving

Making this turkey cheeseball is a breeze! First, take out a mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese with the shredded turkey until it’s nice and creamy. It’s important to get that cream cheese really mixed in so every bite is delicious! Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and pecans to the mixture. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together until it’s well blended. Now comes the fun part—form the mixture into a ball shape! Once you’ve got your cheeseball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time helps the flavors meld together beautifully!

Step-by-Step Instructions

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded turkey until combined.
Add cheddar cheese, green onions, pecans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix all ingredients until well blended.
Form the mixture into a ball.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve with your favorite crackers or vegetable sticks for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
Deliciously creamy with a savory turkey flavor that everyone loves.
Great for serving at holiday parties or cozy family get-togethers.
Customizable with your favorite herbs or cheeses for a personal touch.
Leftover-friendly—use up that turkey in a fun, tasty way!

Tips for Success

To make your turkey cheeseball Thanksgiving extra special, consider preparing it a day ahead. This gives those flavors time to really blend and develop! If you’re a fan of a little zing, feel free to adjust the seasonings to your taste—maybe add a pinch more garlic powder or some fresh herbs for a twist. Also, don’t be shy about experimenting with different cheeses; a bit of pepper jack can add a fun kick! Lastly, when serving, pair it with a variety of crackers and veggie sticks to please all your guests. Trust me, they’ll love the options!

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Please note that the nutritional information provided for the turkey cheeseball Thanksgiving is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. For the most accurate information, consider calculating the nutrition based on your exact recipe and ingredients. Enjoy your delicious creation!

FAQ Section

Can I make this turkey cheeseball ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance is a great idea. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Just keep it wrapped in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

What can I use instead of turkey?
If you don’t have turkey on hand, feel free to substitute with shredded chicken. It’ll still be delicious and a great way to use leftovers!

How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They should last about 3-5 days, but trust me, they likely won’t last that long!

Can I freeze the turkey cheeseball?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to a month. Thaw it in the fridge before serving.

What can I serve with it?
I love serving this cheeseball with a mix of crackers, fresh vegetable sticks, or even pretzel crisps for a little crunch. Enjoy experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store any leftovers of your turkey cheeseball, simply place it in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3-5 days, though I doubt it’ll last that long with how tasty it is! If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the cheeseball wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to a month. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before serving, and enjoy it cold—no reheating needed!

Turkey Cheeseball Thanksgiving: 5 Savory Reasons to Love It

Author: Julia marin
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A savory turkey cheeseball perfect for Thanksgiving gatherings.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese and shredded turkey until combined.
Add cheddar cheese, green onions, pecans, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.
Mix all ingredients until well blended.
Form the mixture into a ball.
Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.