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Reindeer Cheese Ball with Pretzels and Nuts Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This festive Reindeer Cheese Ball is a delightful and creamy appetizer combining cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and ranch seasoning, shaped into a charming reindeer and adorned with pecans, olives, a cherry tomato, and pretzels for antlers. Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests with both taste and presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

  • 2 blocks cream cheese (2x8 ounce), softened at room temperature
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix

Toppings 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 (Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels recommended)

Instructions

  1. Mix Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well incorporated. This ensures an even and creamy base for the cheese ball.
  2. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Add the shredded medium cheddar cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Beat until well combined and evenly distributed. Start with two tablespoons of ranch seasoning, taste, and add the remaining tablespoon if desired, then beat again to incorporate fully.
  3. Mold and Chill the Cheese Ball: Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter, pour the cheese mixture on top, and use the plastic wrap to help form the mixture into a ball. Twist the plastic wrap shut to secure, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours or overnight. This allows the cheese to firm up and hold its shape.
  4. Coat with Pecans: When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and place it on a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans. Press the pecans firmly into the surface of the cheese ball to coat it completely.
  5. Decorate the Reindeer: Press two pretzels into the top of the cheese ball to resemble antlers, making sure they stand securely. Add two black olives for the eyes and place one cherry tomato for the nose. Optionally, use toothpicks or pretzel sticks to secure the eyes and nose in place for better stability.
  6. Serve: Surround the cheese ball with crackers and optionally add fresh herbs for a festive touch. Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Making an indent on the cheese ball before pecan coating helps the olive eyes and cherry tomato nose stay put more easily.
  • If needed, use toothpicks or pretzel sticks to secure the eyes and nose for extra stability and ease of serving.
  • Allowing the cheese ball to chill overnight will enhance flavor melding and improve texture.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/10th of the cheese ball with nuts)
  • Calories: 280
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

Find it online: https://cookesrecipes.com/reindeer-cheese-ball-with-pretzels-and-nuts-recipe/