Description
Rudolph’s Festive Cheese Delight is an eye-catching and delicious addition to any holiday party. This cheese ball recipe combines the creamy textures of cream cheese and sharp cheddar with the savory punch of ranch seasoning and the nutty crunch of pecans. Fashioned into a charming Rudolph motif complete with olive eyes, a cherry tomato nose, and pretzel antlers, this appetizer is not only flavorful but also festive and fun to look at.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 (8 oz) blocks of cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and at room temperature
- 1 oz package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups crushed pecans
- 2 black olives
- 1 cherry tomato
- 2 original-sized pretzels
Instructions
- Allow the cream cheese and sharp cheddar cheese to come to room temperature for easier mixing and a smoother texture.
- In a stand mixer, blend the softened cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix on medium speed until creamy and evenly mixed.
- Using plastic wrap, shape the cheese mixture into a ball, then wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight, to solidify the flavors and ensure the cheese ball maintains its shape.
- Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Coat the outer surface with crushed pecans.
- To decorate the cheese ball like Rudolph, attach slices of black olives for the eyes and a cherry tomato slice for the nose using toothpicks. Insert pretzels at the top as antlers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes