Oh, the holidays! There’s just something magical about gathering around with family and friends, sharing laughter, and enjoying delicious food. My Christmas cheese ball has become a staple at our holiday celebrations, and trust me, it never fails to impress. It’s like a big, cheesy hug that brings everyone together, and the best part? It’s super easy to whip up! I remember the first time I made this for our annual holiday party; my cousin declared it the highlight of the evening! Everyone kept coming back for more—dipping crackers and spreading it on fresh bread like it was the best-kept secret. If you’re looking for a festive appetizer that’s sure to steal the show, this is it! Get ready to spread some holiday cheer with every creamy, cheesy bite!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (plus extra for coating)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
How to Prepare the Christmas Cheese Ball
Making this Christmas cheese ball is as simple as it is rewarding! First, grab a mixing bowl and toss in the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Now, get in there with a spatula or even your hands—mix it all up until it’s smooth and well combined. You’ll want to make sure everything is blended beautifully so every bite is delicious. This should take about 2-3 minutes!
Mixing the Cheese Ingredients
When mixing, don’t be shy! The key here is to ensure that all those flavors meld together seamlessly. I like to start with the cream cheese first since it’s easier to mix when it’s softened. After that, add the cheddar and spices. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a great moment to experiment with additional herbs or spices that you love!
Shaping and Chilling
Once everything is mixed, it’s time to shape your cheese mixture into a ball. Just scoop it out and roll it gently in your hands until it’s nice and round. After that, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours. This chilling step is crucial; it helps the flavors deepen and makes the cheese ball easier to handle when you’re ready to serve.
Coating and Serving
When your cheese ball is chilled and ready, take it out and roll it in the chopped pecans until it’s fully coated. This adds a delightful crunch and a lovely presentation! Serve it up on a platter with an assortment of crackers or slices of fresh bread. Trust me, everyone will love it, and it won’t last long at your gathering!
Tips for Success
Now, let me share a few of my favorite tips to make sure your Christmas cheese ball is a total crowd-pleaser! First off, don’t hesitate to customize the flavors. If you love a little kick, adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the taste. You can also swap the cheddar for a smoky gouda or a tangy blue cheese for something a bit different.
Another tip: make sure your cream cheese is really softened—it just makes mixing so much easier. And if you’re in a pinch for time, you can prep this the day before. Just keep it wrapped and chilled in the fridge. Finally, when serving, don’t forget to provide a variety of crackers—each bite can be a new adventure!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s chat about the numbers! This Christmas cheese ball is not only delicious but also fairly moderate in terms of calories. Each serving (that’s one delightful scoop) comes in at about 150 calories. You’ll find it has 12g of fat, with 6g being saturated fat. Plus, it packs in 5g of protein to keep you feeling satisfied. And don’t worry, these values are just estimates, so if you’re counting, keep that in mind! It’s the perfect appetizer to enjoy without too much guilt during the holiday feasting!
FAQ about Christmas Cheese Ball
How should I store the Christmas cheese ball?
After your gathering, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just make sure it’s well covered to keep it fresh!
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! This cheese ball can be made a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’ll still be delicious, and the flavors will have even more time to mingle!
What can I serve with it?
I love pairing my Christmas cheese ball with a variety of crackers, sliced baguette, or even fresh veggies for a crunch. The choices are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Can I change up the ingredients?
For sure! You can mix in your favorite spices, herbs, or even other types of cheese. A little creativity goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to try something new!
Is it suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Christmas cheese ball is vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for holiday gatherings where you want to please everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for last-minute gatherings!
- Deliciously creamy and packed with flavor, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile enough to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- Great for serving with a variety of crackers or bread—everyone loves a dip!
- Can be made ahead of time, making your holiday prep a breeze.
Christmas Cheese Ball: 5 Magical Tips for Holiday Cheer
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing and Chilling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive cheese ball perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Mix until well blended.
- Form the mixture into a ball shape.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans until fully coated.
- Serve with crackers or bread.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños.
- Pair with a variety of crackers for serving.
- Can be made a day in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese spread