Christmas Ornament Cheese Balls Too Cute Not to Serve

Looking for a festive and adorable appetizer this holiday season? These Christmas Ornament Cheese Balls are the perfect solution! They’re creamy, cheesy, and decorated to look just like Christmas ornaments. Get ready to impress your guests with these bite-sized treats that are as delicious as they are cute, inspired by festive holiday gatherings.

Why You’ll Love These Christmas Cheese Balls

• Easy to Make: Simple recipe with minimal steps.
• Festive and Fun: Perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
• Kid-Friendly: Children will love helping to decorate the cheese balls.
• Delicious Flavor: Creamy cheese with a savory kick.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the decorations to your liking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare them in advance and store in the refrigerator.
• Beautiful Presentation: These cheese balls will be the star of your appetizer spread.
• Great for Sharing: These cheese balls are perfect for sharing with friends and family.

These Christmas cheese balls are easier to clean up than baking cookies and are sure to be a hit. The aroma of fresh herbs and savory cheese will fill your kitchen, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. It will make your family memories more special. These are simple enough for even a first-time cook.

Ingredients Needed

For the Cheese Balls:

• 8 ounces cream cheese: (226g) Softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese: (113g) Shredded, providing a sharp and savory flavor. Choose a good quality cheddar for the best taste.
• 2 ounces Monterey Jack cheese: (57g) Shredded, offering a mild and creamy counterpoint to the cheddar.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions: (approximately 2-3 green onions) Adds a fresh and subtle onion flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory profile. You can also use fresh minced garlic, about 1 clove, for a more intense flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the green onions and garlic powder.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Season to your preference, balancing the cheese flavors.

For the Ornament Decorations:

• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley: (about 1/4 bunch) Provides a bright green color and fresh, herbaceous flavor.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper: (about 1/4 of a large bell pepper) Adds a vibrant red color and a touch of sweetness.
• 1/4 cup finely chopped yellow bell pepper: (about 1/4 of a large bell pepper) Adds a sunny yellow color and a mild, sweet flavor.
• 1/4 cup black sesame seeds: Provides a contrasting color and a nutty flavor.
• Pretzel sticks: Broken into small pieces for ornament hangers. Select thin pretzel sticks for easier insertion.

When choosing your bell peppers, select ones that are firm and have a bright color. Finely chop all your fresh ingredients for a neat and even coating. Consider sourcing your fresh herbs from a local farmer’s market for the best quality.

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Essential Equipment List

• Mixing bowl: For combining the cheese mixture. A large bowl provides ample space for easy mixing.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements for consistent results.
• Shallow dishes: For holding the ornament decorations, making it easy to roll the cheese balls.
• Serving platter: For arranging and displaying the finished cheese ball ornaments.

A food processor can be used for speedy chopping of the bell peppers and parsley. A rubber spatula will help you scrape down the sides of the bowl and ensure everything is well combined.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Servings: Approximately 20-25 cheese balls
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

Begin by combining the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add the finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Mix the Ingredients

Thoroughly mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of cream cheese remaining.

Chill the Mixture

Cover the cheese mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to firm up. This step is crucial for easy handling. Allowing the cheese to rest will help it mold properly.

Prepare Ornament Decorations

While the cheese mixture is chilling, prepare the ornament decorations. Place the chopped parsley, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and black sesame seeds in separate shallow dishes. Make sure the toppings are in a shallow dish for an even coating.

Roll the Cheese Balls

Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Roll the mixture into small balls, about 1-inch in diameter. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out equal portions.

Decorate the Ornaments

Roll each cheese ball in one of the ornament decorations, pressing gently to adhere. Ensure each cheese ball is fully coated. Don’t be afraid to combine decorations!

Add Pretzel Hangers

Insert a small piece of pretzel stick into the top of each cheese ball to create an ornament hanger. Gently push the pretzel sticks into the cheese balls.

Arrange and Serve

Arrange the cheese ball ornaments on a serving platter. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Keep refrigerated until serving time.

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Tips for Success

• Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Chill Thoroughly: Don’t skip the chilling step; it makes the cheese mixture much easier to handle and roll.
• Finely Chop Decorations: Ensure all decorations are finely chopped for better adhesion.
• Gentle Pressure: When rolling the cheese balls in the decorations, use gentle pressure to ensure they stick without distorting the shape.
• Secure Pretzel Sticks: Make sure the pretzel sticks are inserted securely to prevent them from falling out.

A microplane can quickly zest cheese for topping. Save time with pre-chopped vegetables from your local grocery store.

Variations & Substitutions

• Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• Nutty Coating: Use chopped nuts like pecans, walnuts, or almonds instead of sesame seeds for a nutty flavor and texture.
• Herb Variations: Try different herbs like dill, chives, or rosemary for unique flavor combinations.
• Vegetarian Option: Ensure all cheeses used are vegetarian-friendly.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings with Christmas Cheese Balls

• Crackers: Serve with a variety of crackers, such as water crackers, whole wheat crackers, or gluten-free crackers.
• Vegetables: Offer a selection of fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips for dipping.
• Bread: Include sliced baguette or toasted bread for a heartier option.
• Fruits: Add a touch of sweetness with grapes, apple slices, or pear slices.

A mint lemonade or sparkling cider cuts the richness. These are a fall feast stunner when paired with fall foliage-themed decorations. Stack slices high; drizzle sauce artfully.

Health Benefits

These Christmas Cheese Balls are a source of protein and calcium from the cheese. The fresh herbs and bell peppers provide vitamins and antioxidants. The protein and fiber aid digestion and fuel you. One serving provides a good amount of essential nutrients and minerals!

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store the cheese balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cheese balls. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Thaw frozen cheese balls in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, they are ready to serve.

Cool fully before sealing. To prevent spoilage, always use fresh ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the cheese balls from being too soft?

Make sure the cream cheese is softened, but not melted. Chilling the cheese mixture for at least 30 minutes is also crucial.

Can I make these cheese balls ahead of time?

Yes, these cheese balls can be made 1-2 days ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

What if the decorations don’t stick well?

Make sure the cheese balls are slightly damp when rolling them in the decorations. Gently press the decorations onto the cheese balls to help them adhere.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?

Yes, you can use dried herbs, but fresh herbs provide a more vibrant flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor combination. Goat cheese, feta, or pepper jack are all great options.

Nutritional Information

• Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
• Calories: 150
• Total Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 200mg
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 6g

Exact stats need a nutrition calculator. Carbs: 3g from vegetables.

More Delicious Dishes to Explore

• Apple Bread – The Perfect Fall Treat: A sweet and comforting bread perfect for a cozy autumn day.
• Creamy Broccoli Ranch Salad: A refreshing and flavorful salad, ideal as a side dish or light meal.
• Candy Cane Kiss Brownie Bites: Delight your guests with these festive and delicious brownie bites, perfect for any holiday gathering.

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Conclusion

These Christmas Ornament Cheese Balls are fast, flavorful, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whip it up tonight—tag us with your masterpiece!

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