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Rudolph Cheese Ball with Pecans and Festive Garnishes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 64 reviews
  • Author: Villerius
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 16 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Celebrate the festive season with this delightful Rudolph Cheese Ball—a creamy, tangy cheese spread shaped into a fun reindeer design. Combining sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and a spicy horseradish mustard, this appetizer is both flavorful and playful. Perfect for holiday parties, it’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and sure to be a crowd-pleaser when served with crackers, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
  • 2 tbsp Silver Springs Beer'n Brat Hot Horseradish Mustard or any variety of hot horseradish mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 cup Crushed Pecans (for coating)

For Decorating

  • 1 Cherry Tomato (red nose)
  • 2 Black Olives (eyes)
  • 2 Twisted Pretzels (antlers)

Instructions

  1. Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, hot horseradish mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  2. Shape the Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Use the plastic wrap to help shape the mixture into a round ball form. Once formed, wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the cheese ball to firm up and hold its shape.
  3. Coat with Pecans: After chilling, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Roll it gently in the crushed pecans, pressing slightly to ensure the nut coating adheres evenly around the entire surface of the cheese ball.
  4. Decorate the Rudolph: Use your fingers to make small indentations on the cheese ball to place the decorations. Insert two black olives as eyes, a cherry tomato as the iconic red nose, and two twisted pretzels on top to resemble antlers. This creates a fun and festive Rudolph appearance.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Place the Rudolph Cheese Ball on a serving platter with an assortment of crackers, pretzels, chips, or vegetable sticks for dipping. Encourage guests to enjoy this flavorful and whimsical appetizer at your holiday gathering.

Notes

  • For best results, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing to create a smooth texture.
  • You can substitute the horseradish mustard with your favorite spicy mustard variation if desired.
  • Chilling time is essential for the cheese ball to firm up properly and hold the shape during serving.
  • Crushed walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans for the coating if preferred.
  • Keep the cheese ball refrigerated until just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1 oz)
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg

Find it online: https://evelynseats.com/rudolph-cheese-ball-with-pecans-and-festive-garnishes-recipe/