Christmas Cheese Ball

Celebrate the holidays with this simple recipe for a Christmas cheese ball made with sharp cheddar, bell peppers, pecans, and more!

Finding the perfect appetizer for a holiday gathering can be tricky, but with this creamy Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe you can’t go wrong!

This delicious recipe features all of your favourite ingredients found in a classic cheese ball like cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder combined with crunchy red and green bell peppers, smoky jalapenos, nutty pecans, and more.

With such an array of flavours in a satisfying cheesy treat, you won’t be disappointed; it will quickly become a staple at any holiday gathering!

Tips for Making the BEST Cheese Balls

• Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing. This will ensure a smooth and well-blended texture.
• Experiment with different flavour combinations by adding in your favourite herbs, spices or nuts to the coating mixture.
• To make the cheese ball easier to form into a ball, chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes before shaping into a ball.
• For a more festive presentation, shape the cheese ball into a tree or wreath instead.
• Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, vegetables and fruits for a variety of textures and flavours.

Leftovers and Storage Instructions

To make this cheese ball ahead of time, you can prepare the mixture and form into a ball before storing it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results if storing more than a day, omit the bell peppers. When ready to serve, roll into the coating mixture.

To store leftovers, wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

You can also freeze the cheese ball for up to one month. To freeze, wrap the cheese ball in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Again, if storing long term, omit the bell peppers from the cheese mixture.

About the Ingredients for this Christmas Cheese Ball

Cream cheese – Use regular cream cheese for the best results. Light cream cheese, whipped cream cheese, and cream cheese spread may alter the flavour and texture of the cheese ball.

Sour cream – Sour cream helps to keep the cheese ball from firming up too much. You want the ball to hold it’s shape, but you need to be able to scoop it up with a cracker.

Cheddar cheese – Use decent cheese here. Mild cheese will get lost in the cream cheese, but a nice sharp cheddar cheese works well!

Worcestershire sauce – Helps to flavour the cheese ball so it isn’t bland.

Garlic powder – Along with salt and pepper, helps to season this cheese ball.

Bell peppers – Putting bell pepper inside the cheese ball mixture as well as on the coating ensures every bite has a nice crunchy contrast. You can skip using the bell peppers inside the cheese ball if you prefer. If you are preparing the cheese ball ahead of time, you will also want to omit the bell peppers from the cream cheese mixture as they can release moisture that will affect the texture of the cheese ball.

Jalapenos – The jalapenos provide a smokey flavour and adds to the crunchy texture. Any heat from the peppers can be avoided by removing the seeds and cores.

Chives – Adds a little zing to the coating, you can substitute with more jalapenos if you like.

Pecans – Chop the pecans finely for the coating.

Looking for More Holiday Appetizers?

Check out more of my favourite holiday appetizers!

Looking for easy Christmas meatballs? Look no further than these Cranberry Cocktail Meatballs, a perfect appetizer for any holiday parties!

These Bacon Wrapped Dates with Goat Cheese are a perfect holiday appetizer. This is one of those party foods that will have everyone raving!

When it comes to entertaining, having an easy appetizer in your repertoire like these delicious Bacon Spinach Pinwheels is a must.

How to Make a Christmas Cheese Ball

Yields: 16 Servings | Prep time: 15 Minutes | Chill time: 2 Hours

Ingredients:

• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 green bell pepper, finely diced
• 4 jalapenos, finely diced
• 1/4 cup chives, sliced
• 3/4 cup pecans, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder until well combined. (Images 1 & 2)

Add half the peppers and chives to the cheese mixture, reserving the rest for coating the cheese ball. Season with the salt and pepper and mix together well. (Images 3 & 4)

Form into a ball, and place on plastic wrap and cover tightly. (Images 5)

Chill the cheese ball in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm up slightly.

Combine remaining peppers, chives, and pecans in a medium bowl. (Images 6) Roll the cheese ball in the pepper and pecan mixture until coated completely.

Place carefully on a serving dish. Cover and return to fridge to chill until ready to serve.