Charming Snowman Cheese Ball Delight
This whimsical and festive Snowman Cheese Ball Delight is the perfect centerpiece for your holiday gatherings or winter parties. With a creamy blend of cheddar and cream cheese, enhanced with aromatic basil pesto and a hint of zing from mustard and red pepper sauce, this cheese ball can be made in advance and frozen for maximum convenience. Decorate this adorable snowman with your favorite toppings to create a delightful and edible decoration that will impress your guests. Serve it with an assortment of crunchy crackers for a truly memorable appetizer that brings joy and cheer to any gathering!
7
Servings
400
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cream Cheese
3 (8 ounce) packages (softened)
Cheddar Cheese
4 cups (shredded)
Basil Pesto
2 tablespoons
Grated Onion
1 tablespoon
Yellow Mustard
1/4 teaspoon
Red Pepper Sauce
2 drops
Whipped Cream Cheese
1 (4 ounce) container (softened)
Fresh Rosemary
to taste (optional)
Dried Cranberries
to taste (optional)
Olives or Raisins
to taste (diced, optional)
Pimiento or Red Bell Pepper
to taste (optional)
Radicchio or Carrot
to make ribbon scarf (optional)
Asparagus or Celery Rib
to make arms (optional)
Assorted Crackers
to serve (optional)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese until well blended.
2
Divide the cheese mixture into three equal parts.
3
Take two parts of the mixture (2/3) and mix in the basil pesto thoroughly.
4
To the remaining one part (1/3), add the grated onion, yellow mustard, and red pepper sauce, mixing until well combined.
5
Cover each cheese mixture separately and refrigerate for about 4 hours, or until firm enough to shape into balls.
6
Once firm, carefully shape each cheese mixture into a ball, with one ball slightly larger for the body and a smaller ball for the head.
7
Wrap each cheese ball in plastic wrap, label them, and place in the freezer to store. They can be frozen for up to one month.
8
Approximately 12 hours before serving, remove the cheese balls from the freezer and thaw in their wrappers in the refrigerator.
9
To serve, arrange the larger ball on a serving plate as the base and top it with the smaller ball for the head, creating the snowman shape.
10
Frost the snowman with the softened whipped cream cheese for a snowy appearance.
11
Decorate your snowman using a variety of garnishes such as rosemary and cranberries for a crown, diced olives or raisins for eyes and buttons, pimiento or red bell pepper for the mouth, radicchio or carrot ribbons for a scarf, and asparagus spears or celery sticks for arms.
12
Serve with assorted crackers and enjoy the delightful and festive presentation!
Nutrition Information
29g
Fat
3g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Charming Snowman Cheese Ball Delight?
It is a whimsical and festive holiday appetizer made from a blend of cream cheese and cheddar, shaped like a snowman.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses three 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, 4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and a 4-ounce container of whipped cream cheese for the frosting.
How do I add flavor to the cheese mixture?
Flavor is added using basil pesto, grated onion, yellow mustard, and a few drops of red pepper sauce.
Can I make this cheese ball in advance?
Yes, the cheese balls can be prepared, wrapped in plastic, and frozen for up to one month.
How long should I thaw the cheese balls before serving?
You should remove them from the freezer and thaw them in their wrappers in the refrigerator for approximately 12 hours.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 7 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Is this a high-protein appetizer?
Yes, it is quite high in protein, providing 25g per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
There are only 3g of carbohydrates per serving, making it a low-carb option.
How much fat is in the Snowman Cheese Ball?
There are 29g of fat per serving.
How do I shape the snowman?
Divide the cheese mixture to create one larger ball for the body and a smaller ball for the head.
What is the purpose of the whipped cream cheese?
The whipped cream cheese is used to 'frost' the outside of the snowman to give it a snowy white appearance.
How do I make the snowman's eyes and buttons?
You can use diced olives or raisins to create the eyes and buttons.
What can I use for the snowman's scarf?
Radicchio or carrot ribbons can be used to fashion a decorative scarf.
How do I create arms for the snowman?
Asparagus spears or celery sticks work perfectly as arms.
What ingredients are used for the snowman's mouth?
Pimiento or red bell pepper pieces are recommended for the mouth.
How do I flavor the two different parts of the cheese mixture?
Two-thirds of the mixture is flavored with basil pesto, while the remaining third is mixed with onion, mustard, and red pepper sauce.
How long does the cheese mixture need to refrigerate before shaping?
It should be refrigerated for about 4 hours, or until it is firm enough to handle.
What can I use for a crown on the snowman?
Fresh rosemary and dried cranberries can be used to create a festive crown.
What should I serve with the Snowman Cheese Ball?
It is best served with an assortment of crunchy crackers.
Is the red pepper sauce very spicy?
No, the recipe only calls for 2 drops, which adds a hint of zing rather than significant heat.
Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
While cheddar is recommended for its texture and flavor, you could experiment with other semi-firm shredded cheeses.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
The recipe lists 14 ingredients, including several optional items for decoration.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads.
Does this recipe contain any fiber?
The recipe data indicates that the fiber content is negligible or null.
Is there sugar in this recipe?
The sugar content is listed as null, indicating it is very low or non-existent.
How much basil pesto is required?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of basil pesto.
What is the preparation for the onion?
The onion should be grated before being added to the cheese mixture.
Is the rosemary mandatory?
No, the rosemary is listed as an optional garnish for decoration.
Can I use a different type of mustard?
The recipe specifies yellow mustard, but you could likely substitute Dijon for a different flavor profile.