Charming Winter Snowman Cheese Ball
Elevate your winter gatherings with this delightful and whimsical Charming Winter Snowman Cheese Ball! Perfect for holiday parties or as a thoughtful gift for neighbors, this festive cheese ball combines creamy textures with savory flavors. Made with a blend of classic ingredients like cream cheese and dried beef, and adorned with edible decorations, it's not only a delicious spread for hearty crackers but also a centerpiece that brings smiles to all. Create lasting memories by serving this charming snowman, which is sure to impress both kids and adults during the colder months.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
cream cheese
2 (packages, slightly softened (8 ounces each))
dried beef
4.5 (ounces, diced)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped (reserve 1 green top for scarf))
garlic powder
1/2 (teaspoon)
dried parsley
1 (teaspoon for rolling, plus extra for garnish)
whipped cream cheese
8 (ounces)
black olives
3 (pieces for buttons)
dried cranberries
8-10 (for halo decoration)
rosemary sprigs
2 (or pretzel sticks for arms)
horseradish
1 (teaspoon)
maraschino cherry
1 (optional for the mouth)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the two packages of softened cream cheese with the diced dried beef until well mixed.
2
Stir in the chopped green onions, reserving one green top to use as a scarf later.
3
Add the garlic powder, horseradish, and dried parsley to the mixture and blend thoroughly until smooth.
4
Use your hands to form two balls: one larger for the body and a smaller one for the head.
5
Roll the larger ball in dried parsley to create a snowy appearance.
6
Stack the small ball on top of the large one to form the snowman.
7
Spread the whipped cream cheese generously over the entire snowman for a frosty finish.
8
Cut irregular pieces from the black olives and arrange them as three buttons down the front of the snowman.
9
Use the reserved green onion top to create a scarf and tie it around the snowman's neck.
10
Insert rosemary sprigs or pretzel sticks into the sides for arms.
11
Arrange the dried cranberries around the head to create a halo effect.
12
Optionally, place a maraschino cherry as the mouth.
13
Chill in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours to allow flavors to meld together.
14
Serve with hearty crackers and enjoy the holiday spirit!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Charming Winter Snowman Cheese Ball?
It is a festive and whimsical cheese spread made from cream cheese and dried beef, shaped like a snowman and decorated for winter gatherings.
What are the primary ingredients for this recipe?
The main ingredients include cream cheese, diced dried beef, green onions, garlic powder, horseradish, and dried parsley.
How do you create the snowman shape?
You form two balls by hand: a larger one for the body and a smaller one for the head, then stack the small one on top.
How do you give the snowman a frosty appearance?
Generously spread whipped cream cheese over the entire stacked snowman to create a smooth, white finish.
What is used for the snowman's buttons?
Irregular pieces of black olives are used to create three buttons down the front of the snowman.
How do you make the snowman's scarf?
Reserve one green onion top from the bunch, then tie it around the snowman's neck to act as a scarf.
What can be used for the snowman's arms?
You can use either rosemary sprigs or pretzel sticks inserted into the sides of the body.
What is the purpose of the dried cranberries in this recipe?
They are arranged around the snowman's head to create a decorative halo effect.
How long should the cheese ball chill before serving?
The snowman should be refrigerated for 6-8 hours to allow the flavors to meld together properly.
What should I serve with the snowman cheese ball?
It is best served with a variety of hearty crackers.
Can I use something other than dried beef?
While dried beef is traditional for this recipe, you could experiment with finely chopped ham or bacon as substitutes.
Is the maraschino cherry mandatory?
No, the maraschino cherry is an optional decoration used to create the snowman's mouth.
How much cream cheese is needed for the base?
The recipe requires two 8-ounce packages of slightly softened cream cheese for the body and head.
What size should the whipped cream cheese be?
You will need 8 ounces of whipped cream cheese for the outer coating.
How much dried beef is required?
The recipe calls for 4.5 ounces of diced dried beef.
Is this recipe suitable for holiday gifts?
Yes, it is described as a thoughtful and festive gift idea for neighbors and friends.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Spreads and Appetizers.
How much horseradish is used?
One teaspoon of horseradish is added to give the cheese ball a savory kick.
Can I use fresh parsley instead of dried?
The recipe specifies dried parsley for rolling the body to create a snowy look, but fresh can be used for garnish.
Is the green onion chopped before adding?
Yes, the bunch should be chopped, making sure to reserve one long top for the scarf.
What type of olives are recommended?
Black olives are recommended so they stand out as buttons against the white cream cheese.
How do I prepare the cream cheese?
The cream cheese should be slightly softened to make it easier to mix with the other ingredients.
Can children help make this?
Yes, forming the balls and decorating the snowman is a fun, kid-friendly activity.
How many servings does this make?
The recipe is designed as one large centerpiece cheese ball suitable for a party gathering.
What gives the cheese ball its savory flavor?
The combination of dried beef, green onions, garlic powder, and horseradish provides a savory profile.
Do I need a mixer for this?
A mixing bowl and a spoon (or your hands for shaping) are sufficient; a mechanical mixer is not strictly required.
Can I make this a day in advance?
Yes, since it requires 6-8 hours of chilling, making it the night before is ideal.
What texture should the final product have?
It should be a creamy, spreadable cheese mixture that holds its shape.
How do I apply the dried parsley?
Roll the larger ball in the dried parsley before stacking the head on top.
Why use whipped cream cheese for the exterior?
Whipped cream cheese is airier and easier to spread smoothly over the shaped balls than block cream cheese.