Rudolph Cheese Ball
Celebrate the season with a smile and this super cute Christmas appetizer. This Rudolph cheese ball is a festive and fun appetizer to bring to holiday parties.
Rudolph Cheese Ball
This Rudolph cheese ball is shaped like Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, which makes it extra special for kids and adults alike.
This is a ranch flavored cheese ball, that is rolled in bacon and chopped pecans, making it delicious as well as fun to look at.
You can serve it with crackers and pretzels for dipping.
Everyone will love this festive appetizer!
Ingredients
Cream cheese: Make sure to pull it out of the fridge about 30-60 minutes before making to allow it to come to room temperature.
Shredded cheddar cheese: You can use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor or a medium or mild cheddar for a milder flavor.
Ranch seasoning: You can use homemade or store-bought ranch seasoning mix.
Green onion: Fresh green onions add a mild onion flavor.
Cooked, chopped bacon: Cooking it until it's extra crispy helps it hold up better when mixed in.
Chopped pecans
Black olives: Use pitted black olives for Rudolph's eyes.
Cherry tomato: Choose a firm cherry tomato for Rudolph's nose.
Mini twist pretzels: These serve as adorable antlers.
Crackers and pretzels for dipping: Offer a variety of options for dipping.
How to Make
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and chopped green onion.
Mix everything together until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
Once mixed, shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
Wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least six hours, or overnight if possible.
This chilling time helps the flavors meld and makes it easier to handle.
When you’re ready to serve, mix the cooked, chopped bacon and chopped pecans together on a plate.
Take the chilled cheese ball and roll it in this bacon and pecan mixture until it's fully coated.
For Rudolph's features, carefully press the black olives into the cheese ball for eyes and the cherry tomato for the nose.
You can scoop out a small area where you want to place the eyes and nose to make sure they fit nicely.
Finally, insert four mini twist pretzels into the top of the cheese ball to create antlers.
Serve it up with your favorite crackers and pretzels for dipping, and enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
Here's some tips for making this Rudolph cheese ball:
Prep Ahead: Make the cheese ball a day in advance if needed to save time on the day you are serving it.
Customize the Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses and cheese blends to change up the flavor.
Try Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different nutty taste.
Make Smaller Balls: Form mini cheese balls for easy snacking and portion control.
Decorate Creatively: You can use other toppings, like red bell pepper for a nose or carrot sticks for antlers.
Experiment with Seasonings: Try different seasoning mixes, like taco seasoning or Italian herbs, for a different flavor.
Leftovers/Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
If you want to freeze the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag; it can be frozen for up to three months.
To serve again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy it cold—no need to reheat!
What to Serve with Rudolph Cheese Ball
Here are some of our favorites to serve with Rudolph Cheese Ball:
Crackers: Choose a variety of different ones such as butter crackers, Wheat Thins, Triscuits, etc.
Pretzels: Mini twist pretzels, pretzel sticks or even pretzel crisps are perfect for dipping.
Veggie Sticks: Carrot sticks, celery sticks or even cucumbers or bell pepper sticks all go really well with this ranch flavored cheese ball.
Breadsticks: Crunchy breadsticks go great with this cheese ball.
F.A.Q.
What if I can't find black olives?
Substitute with green olives or skip them entirely; you can use other toppings for eyes such as candy eyes, black beans, or peppercorns. See what you can find in your pantry.
What should I do if the mixture is too dry?
Add a little more softened cream cheese or a splash of milk to moisten it.
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Rudolph Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- ¼ cup green onions chopped
- ¾ cup chopped bacon cooked
- ⅓ cup chopped pecans
- 2 black olives
- 1 cherry tomato
- 4 mini twist pretzels
- Crackers and pretzels for dipping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and green onion.
- Fold all of the ingredients together until well combined and everything is evenly distributed.
- Once well combined, shape the cheese ball into a ball shape.
- Wrap the cheese ball in saran wrap, and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or over night.
- Before serving, combine the bacon and pecans and sprinkle into an even layer on a plate.
- Roll the cheese ball into the bacon and pecan mixture, until covered.
- To add the black olive eyes and tomato nose, use a spoon to scoop out a bit of the cheeseball where you want them placed, and press into the cheese ball, re-covering with any of the bacon mixture, as needed.
- Press 4 pretzels into the top of the cheese ball for antlers.
- Serve & enjoy!
Please note that the nutritional content of this recipe will vary based on the specific ingredients used. For a detailed breakdown of the nutritional values, consider using a recipe nutrition calculator with the exact brands and measurements you've used.
