Rudolph Cheese Ball Recipe
A festive Rudolph-inspired cheese ball perfect for holiday gatherings, featuring a smoky, spicy blend of cheeses coated in crunchy pecans with a cherry tomato nose, olive eyes, and pretzel antlers.
Ingredients
- Crushed pecans
- 2 Pitted black olives
- 1 Cherry tomato
- Crushed pecans
- 2 pretzel pieces bow shape
- 8 oz. cream cheese room temperature
- ½ c. Mexican-blend cheese
- ½ t. smoked paprika
- ½ t. oregano
- ½ t. chili powder
- ½ t. garlic powder
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, Mexican cheese, smoked paprika, Mexican oregano, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix vigorously until well mixed.
- Shape the cheese mixture into a ball with your hands (don’t forget your gloves) and transfer it to a serving plate. Place the cheese ball into the fridge to firm it up just a little, around 5-10 minutes.
- When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the fridge and roll it in the pecans until thoroughly coated.
- Place the olives for the eyes and the tomato for the nose.
- Place the pretzels for the antlers.
- Return to a serving dish and serve immediately with your choice of accompaniments!
Notes
For a milder flavor, adjust the chipotle powder and smoked paprika to taste. Refrigerate the cheese ball briefly to help it firm up before rolling in pecans. For the best presentation, assemble Rudolph’s face just before serving to keep the eyes, nose, and antlers in place. Serve with crackers, veggies, or your favorite dippers!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!