Best 9 Holiday Cheese Ball Recipes

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**Tantalize Your Taste Buds with a Holiday Cheese Ball: A Symphony of Flavors for Every Occasion**

With the festive season approaching, it's time to indulge in culinary delights that capture the spirit of joy and togetherness. Among the many delectable treats that grace holiday gatherings, the cheese ball stands out as a centerpiece of savory goodness. This versatile appetizer, adorned with vibrant colors and an array of textures, offers a harmonious blend of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. Whether you prefer a classic cheddar cheese ball rolled in chopped nuts or a tangy goat cheese ball infused with herbs, there's a recipe in this article that will cater to your palate. For those seeking a touch of elegance, the cranberry-studded cream cheese ball is sure to impress your guests. And if you're looking for a fun and interactive experience, the "build-your-own" cheese ball station will be a hit at your next party. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, this article provides everything you need to create a holiday cheese ball that will be the star of the show. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will leave your guests craving more!

Here are our top 9 tried and tested recipes!

HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL



Holiday Cheese Ball image

Andrea Bolden from Unionville, Tennessee writes, "With its colorful flecks of green onion and pimiento, this cheese ball is great as a Christmas or New Year's appetizer. It can be made with fat-free cheeses without sacrificing the zesty Italian taste."

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield 1 cheese ball.

Number Of Ingredients 9

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 jar (2 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup finely chopped walnuts
Toasted French bread slices, assorted crackers and/or fresh vegetables

Steps:

  • In a small bowl, combine first seven ingredients. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. , Shape into a ball; roll in walnuts. Cover and refrigerate overnight. , Serve with toasted French bread slices, crackers and/or vegetables.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 156 calories, Fat 14g fat (5g saturated fat), Cholesterol 26mg cholesterol, Sodium 101mg sodium, Carbohydrate 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.

HOLIDAY TREE-SHAPED CHEESE BALL



Holiday Tree-Shaped Cheese Ball image

An easy, eye-catching way to serve a holiday cheese ball. The best news? You can make it up to a month in advance!

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Appetizer

Time 4h20m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 ounces)
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
Red pepper sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro
1/4 cup pine nuts or sliced almonds
2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
Piece of lemon peel, if desired
Assorted crackers, if desired

Steps:

  • Stir together cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; divide in half. Stir pesto into 1 half; stir onion, mustard and 2 or 3 drops pepper sauce into other half. Cover each half; refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape.
  • Place cheese mixtures on cookie sheet. Shape each half into cone shape to look like a pine tree.
  • If desired, wrap each tree, label and freeze up to 1 month. Twelve hours before serving, remove trees from freezer. Thaw in wrapper in refrigerator.
  • Just before serving, roll trees in parsley, pressing it evenly onto trees. Press pine nuts onto trees in string form for garland. Press bell pepper pieces onto trees for ornaments. Top each tree with star shape cut from lemon peel. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1/4 Cup, Sodium 180 mg

CRANBERRY-PECAN HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL



Cranberry-Pecan Holiday Cheese Ball image

Cheese balls can be made in advance and people love the variety. This one makes a wonderful holiday gift or hostess gift. To use as a spread, omit the 1 cup of pecans and 1/2 cup cranberries used to coat the ball. -Donna Marie Ryan, Topsfield, Massachusetts

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Appetizers

Time 15m

Yield 3 cups.

Number Of Ingredients 7

1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) white shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup whipped cream cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
1-1/3 cups chopped pecans, toasted, divided
1 cup dried cranberries, divided
Assorted crackers

Steps:

  • Beat cheddar cheese, cream cheese, butter and mustard until blended. Fold in 1/3 cup pecans and 1/2 cup dried cranberries. Spread remaining pecans and dried cranberries in an even layer on a 12x12-in. piece of plastic; place cheese mixture on top of cranberry mixture. Bring corners of plastic up over cheese ball and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour., Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts :

HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL



Holiday Cheese Ball image

This is a cheese ball that is great for an appetizer at a party. You can dress is up with nuts on the outside or a little extra hot pepper sauce for that extra zing!!

Provided by Vikki Sorensen

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cheese Dips and Spreads Recipes     Cheese Ball Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1 (2.5 ounce) package smoked sliced beef, chopped
3 green onions, finely chopped
1 dash hot pepper sauce

Steps:

  • Combine cream cheese, beef, onions and pepper sauce with hands or an electric mixer. Shape into a ball. Chill at least 1 hour before serving with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 111.7 calories, Carbohydrate 1.2 g, Cholesterol 36.7 mg, Fat 10.3 g, Fiber 0.1 g, Protein 3.9 g, SaturatedFat 6.4 g, Sodium 209.8 mg, Sugar 0.2 g

HOLIDAY HAM & CHEESE BALL



Holiday Ham & Cheese Ball image

My mother always makes this cheese ball at Christmas, and growing up, I never realized there was any other kind of "cheese ball" but this one. I now make it for get togethers, holidays, or sometimes just because it's so good! There is never any left overs, and everyone always wants the recipe. This recipe makes 1 large ball or 2 small balls. *Note: My mother puts 1 tsp of Accent (MSG) in hers. I never buy this stuff, so I leave it out, and I can't tell a difference.

Provided by Mrs. Hooper

Categories     Spreads

Time 20m

Yield 1 large ball, 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1 lb lean ham, thinly sliced
1 bunch green onion
1 -2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

  • Place the cream cheese in a large, covered bowl and allow to soften at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.
  • Lay several pieces of ham on a cutting board and slice into 1/2" strips. Turn the cutting board and slice again, forming small squares. Set aside in a medium bowl or on a plate and separate the squares. Repeat with the rest of the ham.
  • Slice the bunch of green onions into very thin rings.
  • When the cheese is softened, add in the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, green onions (add all or just enough for your preference), and 1/2 of the ham. Mix together well until ingredients are uniformly distributed.
  • Using a large piece of plastic wrap, shape the cream cheese mixture into a ball. Roll the ball in the remaining ham pieces (faster) or manually press the ham squares into the cheese ball (prettier). Place on a plate and wrap in plastic wrap. Allow to chill for a few hours or overnight before serving. Serve with crackers, vegetables or crusty bread.

HOLIDAY DRIED BEEF CHEESE BALL



Holiday Dried Beef Cheese Ball image

Make and share this Holiday Dried Beef Cheese Ball recipe from Food.com.

Provided by skottishdonkey

Categories     Spreads

Time 45m

Yield 5-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

2 (8 ounce) packets cream cheese
1 bunch green onion
1 (8 ounce) jar dried beef

Steps:

  • keep cheese out to soften, cut up green onion in small pieces and wash well, cut up beef in small pieces.
  • Mix all in a bowl and then shape into ball or other shape.
  • cover with foil and refrigerate for 1 hr or 2 before serving with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 393.7, Fat 32.6, SaturatedFat 20.4, Cholesterol 135.6, Sodium 1538, Carbohydrate 5.4, Fiber 0.6, Sugar 1.9, Protein 21.4

HOLIDAY PUMPKIN CHEESE BALL



HOLIDAY PUMPKIN CHEESE BALL image

This is a change of pace from the regular savory cheeseballs. It's very good and I serve this with cinnamon graham crackers to enhance the flavor. You can use an actual pumpkin stem to make the cheeseball look like a pumpkin or use a little stalk of celery with some leaf still on it. But, none of that is necessary if you don't...

Provided by JANE LOUISE

Categories     Spreads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

16 oz. pkg. cream cheese softened
1 c pumpkin pie filling (it already has seasoning)
1/2 c pineapple preserves
1/2 c finely chopped walnuts
1/2 c finely chopped carrots
2 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
cinnamon graham crackers to serve on

Steps:

  • 1. In large bowl, with mixer on low/medium, combine cream cheese, pumpkin pie filling, pineapple preserves. By hand, stir in carrots and nuts. Form into ball. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled. Serve with cinnamon graham crackers broken in medium pieces.
  • 2. OPTION: You can roll the ball in finely chopped walnuts if you desire OR finely chopped carrots, or both.

HOLIDAY TREE-SHAPED CHEESE BALL



Holiday Tree-Shaped Cheese Ball image

An easy, eye-catching way to serve a holiday cheese ball. The best news? You can make it up to a month in advance!

Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Appetizer

Time 4h20m

Yield 7

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (16 ounces)
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
Red pepper sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley or cilantro
1/4 cup pine nuts or sliced almonds
2 tablespoons chopped red bell pepper
Piece of lemon peel, if desired
Assorted crackers, if desired

Steps:

  • Stir together cream cheese and Cheddar cheese; divide in half. Stir pesto into 1 half; stir onion, mustard and 2 or 3 drops pepper sauce into other half. Cover each half; refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape.
  • Place cheese mixtures on cookie sheet. Shape each half into cone shape to look like a pine tree.
  • If desired, wrap each tree, label and freeze up to 1 month. Twelve hours before serving, remove trees from freezer. Thaw in wrapper in refrigerator.
  • Just before serving, roll trees in parsley, pressing it evenly onto trees. Press pine nuts onto trees in string form for garland. Press bell pepper pieces onto trees for ornaments. Top each tree with star shape cut from lemon peel. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165, Carbohydrate 1 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 6 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, ServingSize 1/4 Cup, Sodium 180 mg

HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL



Holiday Cheese Ball image

I found this recipe in an old cookbook of my mom's when I was 12 years old.I made a few and she took one to work for her Christmas Party. From that year on my mother would come home during the holidays with orders from her co-workers for cheese balls at $5 apiece. I was able to buy all my Christmas gifts from what I made. Nearly...

Provided by Dawn Cordova

Categories     Cheese Appetizers

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

2-8 oz pkg cream cheese, room temperature
2 c sharp cheddar cheese -shredded
1 Tbsp finely chopped onions
1 Tbsp chopped green bell pepper
1 Tbsp chopped pimento
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp lemon juice
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1 c chopped pecans or walnuts

Steps:

  • 1. Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese in bowl until well blended.
  • 2. Add remaining ingredients, except for the nuts; mix well. Refrigerate several hours.
  • 3. Shape into 1 large or 2 small balls and roll in chopped nuts. Serve with crackers.
  • 4. Variations-Change the shape and make a cheese log or a snowman or Christmas Tree. You can also make about 20 mini balls for individual servings.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients, especially the cheese, to ensure the best flavor.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing, as this will make it easier to achieve a smooth consistency.
  • If you want a more flavorful cheese ball, use a sharp cheddar cheese or a combination of different cheeses.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different add-ins, such as herbs, spices, nuts, or dried fruit.
  • Chill the cheese ball for at least 30 minutes before serving, as this will help it to firm up and make it easier to slice or scoop.
  • Serve the cheese ball with crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable crudités.

Conclusion:

The holiday cheese ball is a delicious and festive appetizer that is perfect for any party or gathering. With its creamy texture, sharp flavor, and variety of toppings, it is sure to be a hit with everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy appetizer, give this recipe a try.

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