Oh, the holidays are here, and what better way to celebrate than with a festive *Christmas cheese ball*! This delightful appetizer is not just a treat for the taste buds, but it also adds a cheerful touch to your holiday spread. I love how easy it is to whip up, and it always draws guests in with its creamy texture and savory flavors. Trust me, the combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and crunchy walnuts is nothing short of magical! Serve it with your favorite crackers, and you’ll have a hit that brings everyone together around the table. Let’s dive into the deliciousness!
Ingredients List
Here’s everything you’ll need to create your festive *Christmas cheese ball*. I promise, it’s a simple list that packs a flavor punch!
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Let it sit at room temperature for easy mixing!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (Feel free to use sharp or mild, depending on your taste!)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions (These add a lovely freshness!)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (For that delightful crunch—toast them for extra flavor!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (A must for that savory kick!)
- 1 tsp onion powder (It complements the green onions perfectly!)
- 1/2 tsp salt (Adjust to taste, but it really enhances the flavors!)
- 1/4 tsp pepper (Just a pinch for warmth!)
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, but they add a festive touch and a pop of sweetness!)
How to Prepare a Christmas Cheese Ball
Now, let’s get to the fun part—making your amazing *Christmas cheese ball*! Don’t worry, it’s super simple and comes together in no time. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be the holiday hero!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a fork or spatula to mix them until it’s creamy and smooth. Wow, it smells heavenly already!
- Next, add in the finely chopped green onions and chopped walnuts. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Now, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want all those flavors to mingle beautifully!
- Once it’s mixed, shape the cheesy goodness into a ball or log. Don’t stress about making it perfect; rustic is charming! Just make sure it holds together.
- Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling time is crucial—it helps the flavors to develop and makes it easier to serve.
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in the remaining chopped walnuts and dried cranberries, if using. This gives it a lovely festive look! Serve it up with your favorite crackers or bread, and watch it vanish!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of this delightful *Christmas cheese ball*. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so consider them as a general guideline rather than exact figures. Here’s what you can typically expect for each serving (1 ounce):
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 5g
So, whether you’re counting calories or just indulging for the holidays, this creamy cheese ball is a delicious addition to your festive table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This *Christmas cheese ball* is bound to become a staple at your holiday gatherings! Here’s why I adore it:
- It comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for busy holiday prep!
- Rich, creamy flavors with a delightful crunch from the walnuts make every bite a joy.
- The festive presentation with cranberries and nuts not only looks amazing but tastes incredible too!
- It pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers and bread, making it a versatile appetizer.
- Everyone loves it, from kids to adults, so it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Tips for Success
To make your *Christmas cheese ball* truly shine, here are some handy tips! First, make sure your cream cheese is thoroughly softened—this makes mixing a breeze and ensures a smooth texture. If you want extra flavor, consider roasting your walnuts before adding them; it brings out their nuttiness! Don’t skip the chilling time; it’s essential for melding those flavors together and making it easier to shape. And if you’re nervous about rolling it evenly, just use your hands to gently pat it into shape. Trust me, everyone will love your creation!
Variations of the Christmas Cheese Ball
If you want to switch things up a bit, I’ve got some fun variations for your *Christmas cheese ball*! Feel free to mix and match to create your own unique twist on this classic appetizer. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
- Herb-Infused: Add fresh herbs like dill, chives, or parsley for a burst of freshness and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Mix in some finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a zesty surprise!
- Sweet & Savory: Incorporate diced apples or pears along with the cranberries for a delightful contrast.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheddar cheese instead of regular cheddar to add a rich, smoky depth.
- Mediterranean Style: Fold in some chopped olives and sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian-inspired treat.
- Nutty Variation: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds, or even try a mix of different nuts!
Experimenting with these variations can lead to some delicious surprises that will make your cheese ball even more memorable this holiday season!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your delightful *Christmas cheese ball*, the options are endless! I love pairing it with an array of crunchy crackers—think water crackers, wheat thins, or even some buttery Ritz for that extra flavor. Fresh sliced baguette is another fantastic option, giving it a nice chewy texture that complements the creamy cheese ball perfectly. Don’t forget to add some fresh veggies on the side, like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips; they add a nice crunch and a pop of color to your platter! For a fun twist, serve it with apple or pear slices for a sweet contrast. Trust me, your guests will be raving about it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Christmas cheese ball* is super easy, and it can last in the fridge for up to a week! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and flavorful. If you’ve got leftovers, make sure to store them promptly after serving to maintain that delicious taste.
Now, if you find yourself with some cheese ball left over and want to enjoy it later, there’s no need to reheat it! This delightful appetizer is best served cold or at room temperature, so just take it out of the fridge about 30 minutes before you plan to serve it again. This way, it’ll be at the perfect temperature for spreading on crackers or bread. Enjoy every bit of your festive creation!
Print
Christmas Cheese Ball: 5 Magical Moments for Festive Joy
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive and flavorful cheese ball perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Add green onions, walnuts, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or log.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts and cranberries if using.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
- For a different flavor, try adding herbs like dill or chives.
- Make ahead and store in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing and Refrigerating
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ounce
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese spread
