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cheese ball decorated to look like a reindeer

REINDEER CHEESE BALL

This REINDEER CHEESE BALL is the cutest holiday appetizer and super easy to prepare. A basic cheesy ranch cheese ball decorated to look like Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer.
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Course: Holidays
Cuisine: American
Keyword: reindeer cheese ball
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 446kcal
Author: Nicole Harris

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces block cream cheese softened at room temperature
  • â…“ cup sour cream
  • 8 ounce block medium cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2-3 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix to taste
  • 2 cups roughly chopped pecans
  • 2 medium pitted black olives for the eyes
  • 1 cherry tomato for the nose
  • 2 regular sized twist pretzels for the antlers

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream until smooth.
  • Add shredded cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until combined and evenly distributed.
  • Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap and pour the cheese ball mixture on top. You want the plastic wrap to be large enough to cover the entire cheese ball and be able to twist it shut. Use the plastic wrap to help mold the cheese mixture into a ball, twist it shut. Transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results.
  • When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator - transfer to a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans. Press the pecans into the cheese ball.
  • Add 2 pretzels on top for the antlers, pressing it into the cheese ball deep enough that it stands on its own.
  • Add two black olives for the eyes and one cherry tomato for the nose. You can use toothpicks to secure the eyes and nose in place or you can use pretzel sticks for an edible option.
  • Serve with crackers and pretzels.

Notes

The cheese ball can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. When ready to serve, cover with chopped pecans and decorate with the olive eyes, tomato nose, and pretzel antlers.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 42g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 24g | Cholesterol: 67mg | Sodium: 568mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g
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