The Holly Jolly Cheese Ball a Festive Christmas Appetizer

The Holly Jolly Cheese Ball: A Festive Christmas Appetizer

Ever find yourself staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what to bring to the Christmas do? Honestly, me too! But this year, I've got the perfect answer: a christmas cheese ball .

This ain't your nan's cheese ball (although, bless her!). It's a festive cheese ball recipe , totally reimagined for the holidays. We are talking creamy, tangy, and packed with savoury bits.

From Retro Snack to Christmas Centrepiece

The retro cheese ball is back, baby, and it's ready for its festive glow-up! Originating in the mid-20th century, it has since become a nostalgic snack.

It’s easy, quick and always goes down a treat. This recipe is super easy and only needs about 30 minutes and an hour chilling time.

The recipe makes about 12-16 servings.

Why This Christmas Cheese Ball Rocks

Forget boring Christmas party food ideas ! This holiday cheese spread is the star of the show. The combination of sharp cheddar, blue cheese, bacon, and cranberries is utterly divine, and it’s a real crowd pleaser.

Imagine serving this Christmas appetizer at your party. Everyone will compliment your easy Christmas cheese ball . Plus, who doesn't love a make-ahead Christmas appetizer ? You can prep this bad boy days in advance! Also, that christmas cheese ball wreath decoration will make this the centerpiece of the party.

Ready to make some magic? Let's get into what you will need.

Right then, let's talk grub, particularly about what you need to make my ridiculously tasty Christmas cheese ball . This ain't rocket science, but a bit of pre-planning makes all the difference.

This Christmas appetizer is a must have!

Getting Your Gear & Grub Sorted

Main Ingredients

Right, let's get down to brass tacks. You need:

• 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese, softened. Honestly, proper softening is KEY!
• 4 ounces (115g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded. Get a good quality cheddar, you know? That's what will make it sing.
• 4 ounces (115g) crumbled blue cheese, if you are feeling fancy.
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked till crispy and crumbled. Or use bacon bits, no judgement here.
• ½ cup (75g) dried cranberries, chopped.
• ¼ cup (40g) finely chopped green onions.
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) Worcestershire sauce.
• ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder.
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper.
• 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans.
• 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary.
• Extra cranberries for garnish, these make our Festive cheese ball recipe sparkle.

Seasoning Notes

Honestly, the Worcestershire sauce is a must. That umami kick is phenomenal. Garlic powder is there for gentle love. Don't skip the pepper! For an extra Christmas cheese ball with a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Equipment Needed

Keep it simple, yeah?

• A big mixing bowl.
• An electric mixer is handy, but your arms work just fine.
• Measuring cups and spoons obviously.
• A spatula, for scraping down the sides.
• Plastic wrap. This is for that crucial chilling period for a perfectly formed Easy Christmas cheese ball.
• A serving platter, naturally.

Right, that’s your kit list sorted. Get everything prepped. Next, let's get our christmas cheese ball underway! This Holiday cheese spread will be the talk of the party!.

It's a great way to elevate your Christmas party food ideas ! A perfectly make-ahead Christmas appetizer ! Or even try making a Christmas cheese ball wreath , I think it would be a great idea.

What do you think?

The Holly Jolly Cheese Ball: A Festive Christmas Appetizer

Honestly, who doesn't love a good Christmas appetizer ? Especially one that's totally retro and screams holiday cheese spread . This Christmas cheese ball is just that! It's my take on the classic, gussied up for the festive season.

This Holly Jolly christmas cheese ball wreath is bound to be a christmas party food idea people will want to copy.

Let's face it, during the Christmas season, time is precious. That's why this easy Christmas cheese ball is a lifesaver.

You can whip it up ahead of time and impress everyone. Plus, who can resist a creamy, savoury, and slightly tangy Christmas cheese ball covered in crunchy pecans? Not me, that's for sure!

Prep Like a Pro: Before You Start

First things first, mise en place. It sounds fancy but just means get everything ready! Soften 8 ounces (225g) cream cheese.

Shred 4 ounces (115g) of sharp cheddar. Crumble 4 ounces (115g) of blue cheese (if you're feeling fancy, it's totally optional).

Cook those 4 bacon slices! Chop your ½ cup (75g) of cranberries and ¼ cup (40g) of green onions. Then, gather all your spices and pecans.

Trust me, this will save you a headache.

Time saving tip: Chop your pecans ahead of time. You can also use pre-crumbled bacon bits if you're really short on time.

Oh my gosh, you can make this make-ahead Christmas appetizer in just 20 minutes of active prep and 1 hour chilling, which is pure magic.

Let's Get Rolling: step-by-step Process

1. Fry the bacon: If using, cook your bacon until super crispy, about 10 minutes . Drain and crumble.
2. Cheese it Up: In a big bowl, beat the cream cheese, cheddar, and blue cheese (if using) until totally smooth.
3. Flavour Time: Mix in the bacon (if using), cranberries, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon (2.5ml) garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon (1.25ml) black pepper.
4. Shape It: Form the mix into a ball. Wrap it tight in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour .
5. Pecan Power: Spread 1 cup (100g) chopped pecans on a plate.
6. Coat It: Unwrap the cheese ball and roll it in the pecans. Gently press the pecans so they stick.
7. Holly Jolly Time: Add rosemary sprigs to make it look like a holiday wreath. Place extra cranberries to have a cranberry pecan cheese ball .
8. Serve: Place on a platter and serve with crackers or veggies.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Cheese Ball

• Soft Cheese is Key: Make sure that cream cheese is softened properly before mixing.
• Toast those Pecans: Toasting the pecans before chopping them is really an expert technique or a quick shortcut.
• make-ahead Magic: This festive cheese ball recipe can be made 1-2 days ahead.

Honestly, this Christmas cheese ball is always a hit. It's the perfect Christmas party food idea , especially if you're going for that retro cheese ball vibe.

Plus, it's a great alternative to a blue cheese Christmas appetizer for those who prefer something a little milder. Enjoy!

Okay, so you're making my Holly Jolly Cheese Ball : A Festive Cheese Ball Recipe , eh? Awesome! Here are some extra notes to make sure yours is an absolute triumph .

Honestly, I messed up a retro cheese ball once by skipping a step. Don't be like me!

Recipe Notes

These are my tips. I have learnt a bunch making these cheese balls. Take a gander!

Serving Suggestions Get Your Plating On!

Okay, so this isn't just about the taste, you know? Presentation matters. Plop this Christmas appetizer on a cute wooden board.

Arrange your crackers artfully. Want to be fancy? Use a piping bag with a star tip to pipe extra cream cheese around the base.

Get some colourful bell peppers to serve on the side for a pop.

For bevvies, think light and bubbly. Prosecco? Yes, please. Or a crisp white wine. Even sparkling apple cider for the non-drinkers! And hey, why not arrange it to look like a Christmas cheese ball wreath ?

Storage Tips Keepin' it Fresh

Right, so you've got leftover holiday cheese spread (if you do, you're doing something wrong!). Pop it in an airtight container. It'll happily chill in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing? Not really recommended. The texture changes, and nobody wants a gritty cheese ball. Reheating isn’t a thing, obviously, but bring it to room temperature for like, 15- 20 minutes before serving.

It's easier to spread then!

Variations Spiced Up Cheese

Fancy a twist on this Christmas party food idea ?

Dietary adaptions: For a vegetarian, just ditch the bacon. Easy peasy. Making it gluten-free is easy too - just make sure you serve it with gluten-free crackers!

Seasonal Ingredient Swap: Think cranberry pecan cheese ball in the summer, that's just not cricket. In the autumn, sub the cranberries for chopped dried apricots.

This makes for a Blue Cheese Christmas appetizer that's a little less…Christmassy.

Nutrition Basics The Skinny

Okay, so each serving is roughly 250 calories . There's about 8g of protein and 20g of fat . Plus, you are looking at about 8g of carbs , 2g of fibre , 4g of sugar and 200mg of Sodium .

It's got cheese, nuts and cranberries. But think of the key health benefits ! There are loads of good fats in the nuts, good vibes from the festive cheese ball recipe , plus antioxidants from the cranberries.

So there you have it! Making an easy Christmas cheese ball is a breeze, right? You've got this! Happy festive feasting, folks!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Christmas cheese ball ahead of time? I'm a busy bee this holiday season!

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the entire Christmas cheese ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving to soften it up a bit nobody wants to wrestle with a rock hard cheese ball!

I'm not a huge fan of blue cheese. Can I leave it out of the Christmas cheese ball?

You certainly can! The blue cheese adds a bit of tang, but it's totally optional. If you're not a fan, simply omit it or substitute with an equal amount of shredded cheddar or another cheese you enjoy, like Gouda or Monterey Jack. It'll still be a cracking Christmas cheese ball without it!

My pecans aren't sticking to the cheese ball! What am I doing wrong?

Make sure your cheese ball is properly chilled before you roll it in the pecans. The cold cheese mixture will help the pecans adhere better. You can also lightly press the pecans onto the cheese ball to make them stick. If all else fails, a light sprinkle of extra pecans right before serving will do the trick!

How long will the Christmas cheese ball last in the fridge? What's the best way to store it?

A Christmas cheese ball will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days if stored properly. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out or absorbing any fridge odors. To keep it super fresh, consider wrapping in plastic wrap then storing in an airtight container.

Just give it a little time to soften up at room temperature before serving again.

Any tips for making this Christmas cheese ball healthier? I'm trying to be good, but it's Christmas!

You can definitely lighten it up! Use light cream cheese and reduced fat cheddar. Load up on the veggies for serving - think carrots, celery and bell peppers. You could also swap out some of the pecans for finely chopped vegetables in the coating, like bell peppers or parsley, for added nutrients and less fat.

Remember, everything in moderation, even at Christmas!

Can I make a vegan version of this Christmas cheese ball?

Yes, absolutely! Swap out the cream cheese and cheddar with your favorite vegan alternatives. You can replace the bacon with vegan bacon bits or leave it out altogether. Ensure you use a vegan Worcestershire sauce or omit it, and you've got yourself a festive and plant based Christmas cheese ball Bob's your uncle!