Description
This delightful Snowman Cheeseball is a festive and fun appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy cream cheese, sharp Gouda, and savory sun-dried tomatoes, it’s shaped into a snowman and decorated with mozzarella, cloves, raisins, pretzels, and carrots for a charming presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeseball Base
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups Gouda cheese, shredded
- ½ cup chives, chopped
- ½ cup oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Decorations
- 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, finely shredded
- 9 whole cloves (for eyes and mouth)
- 4 raisins (for buttons)
- 2 pretzel sticks (for arms)
- 1 baby carrot (for nose)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded Gouda cheese. Process until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. Remove the mixture from the processor and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped chives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic powder until evenly incorporated throughout the cheese mixture.
- Shape the Snowman: Divide the cheese mixture and form it into two balls, one large and one smaller for the head. Press the finely shredded mozzarella cheese onto both balls to coat them thoroughly. Wrap the balls tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese balls for at least 2 hours or until firm to allow them to set and the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Snowman: Once chilled, stack the smaller ball on top of the larger ball, securing them with a toothpick or small dowel placed through the center to stabilize the structure.
- Decorate the Face: Slice the baby carrot lengthwise to create a nose shape and press it into the head ball. Use two whole cloves for the eyes and arrange about seven whole cloves to form a smiling mouth.
- Add Buttons and Arms: Press four raisins sideways onto the body ball to serve as buttons. Insert two pretzel sticks on either side of the body to form the snowman’s arms.
- Serve: Present the snowman cheeseball with sturdy crackers and fresh veggies for a festive and tasty appetizer.
Notes
- Allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature for easier mixing.
- If you don’t have a food processor, mix the ingredients thoroughly with a wooden spoon, though the texture may be less smooth.
- Use sturdy crackers or sliced vegetables for serving to prevent breakage when dipping.
- To store leftovers, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 30g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
