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Holiday Cheese Balls - Three Variations

A popular holiday appetizer that is as versatile as you want it to be!

Course: Appetizer, appetizers
Cuisine: American, tbt, Vintage
Keyword: cheese, Christmas, cream cheese, holiday, holidays, vintage
Servings: 1 ball
Author: HelenFern
Ingredients
Snowman Cheese ball
  • 2/3 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 -2/3 cup fontina cheese, shredded (1 cup is for rolling the balls)
  • 2/3 cup smoked gouda, shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
  • pepper corns for eyes and buttons
  • small carrot tip for the nose
Ornament Ball
  • 2/3 cup cream cheese
  • 1 cup smoked gouda, shredded
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves
  • 1 teaspoon whole pepper corns
  • Green and red bell pepper for garnish
Christmas Tree Ball
  • 2/3 cup cream cheese
  • 1-1/2 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar
  • 1/4 cup whole green olives with pimentos
  • 1/8 cup sliced green olives
  • chopped green onions (to roll the ball in)
  • Yellow bell pepper for star
Instructions
  1. The directions are the same for all three cheese balls. 

  2. Place the cream cheese, shredded cheese and any seasonings or flavors in a food processor fitted with a blade. Process until it's smooth.

  3. If you are adding any additional ingredients that you don't want ground into the cheese, fold it in now. This is where you stir in the sliced olives for the Christmas tree.

  4. Place in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours - giving the cream cheese a chance to firm up.

  5. Remove it from the refrigerator and roll into a ball or that shape of your choice. If you add ingredients that add moisture, like the Christmas tree, it will be softer and a little harder to roll. A little dry cheese (like canned parmesan) on your hands will help keep it from sticking to your hands while you roll it.

  6. Once you have the shape you want, roll it in the topping - or covering. The green onions on the Christmas tree, nuts if you choose, etc.

  7. Cut the decorations with a sharp knife or cookie cutters and add to the ball.

  8. Chill again for at least 2 hours before serving. Serve with crackers or crostini.

  9. And enjoy a bite of holiday history. 

Recipe Notes

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