Cheese balls are 100% my thing. It doesn’t matter if they’re sweet, savory, spicy, or something else entirely. That’s why I’m so excited to share this list of Christmas cheese balls with you. These 25 options are some of the best for the holiday season. They incorporate many Christmas favorites like pomegranates, cranberries, Santa, and the Grinch. So if you’re looking for delicious Christmas starters, look no further. These Christmas cheese balls are just what you need.
1. Christmas Cheese Ball
This holiday favorite looks more like a cheesy yule log than a ball. Still, it’s a decadent, delectable option for any cheese lover. Despite its unique appearance, it’s effortless to make. You’ll need cheddar, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and grated onion. That’s it for the bulk of the log. Then, you’ll add a topping of dried cranberries and pecans. It’s festive and has the perfect blend of saltiness, garlic, tanginess, and cheese.
2. Christmas Cheese Tree
There’s nothing wrong with a good, old-fashioned cheese ball. Still, people typically like to go all out for Christmas. Jazz up your traditional cheese ball by turning it into a cheese tree! It’s a gorgeous and delicious appetizer that everyone will love. It features all the yummy, classic flavors of a typical cheese ball. However, the presentation is so much more exciting.
3. Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball
Think shaping a Christmas tree cheese ball may be out of your wheelhouse? If you aren’t confident, whip up this snowman cheese ball instead. It’s as simple as rolling up a standard cheese ball; only you’ll make two and stack them. The appearance is fun and festive, and its taste is scrumptious. It’s the perfect blend of ranch seasoning, cheddar, and cream cheese.
4. Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree
Here’s another entertaining way to make a Christmas tree cheese ball. This one features sun-dried tomatoes, peppers, dill, and more. Then, you’ll “decorate” the entire thing with olives, tomatoes, salami, etc. It rolls two great appetizers, a cheese ball, and an antipasto platter, into one.
5. Mini Cheese Ball Holiday Platter
Shaping a cheese ball into a Christmas tree is actually quick and simple. However, if you really think you can’t do it, there are other ways to make a tree. Take this mini cheese ball platter, for example. You won’t make and shape a large cheese ball. Instead, you’ll make several miniature ones. Then, you’ll arrange them on a platter in the shape of a tree. Easy, peasy, and super cheesy! Plus, this option allows you to make cheese balls of multiple flavors. Have an uncle who doesn’t like dill? No problem! Make him a couple of simple cheddar cream cheese balls. Grandma allergic to nuts? That’s okay! Roll her mini balls in crushed pretzels or seeds instead. It’s a great way to please everyone and remain 100% festive.
6. Holiday Cheese Ball Wreath
This recipe, too, harnesses the power of mini cheese balls. But instead of a tree, you’ll shape them into a lovely wreath. It’s colorful and flavorful, and everyone will adore it.
7. Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
You’ll need only six ingredients to make this salty, tangy treat. You’ll start with a cream cheese and white cheddar base. Then, you’ll add cranberries and toasted pecans for that signature holiday taste. Green onions and garlic powder round out the flavor profile.
8. Grandma’s Holiday Cheese Ball
This tasty cheese ball doesn’t look super festive. It’s not shaped like a tree or snowman, nor is it covered in cranberries. What it lacks in holiday spirit, it makes up for in taste. This is your grandma’s famous holiday cheese ball. You know the one. It features the contrasting but complementary flavors of Worcestershire, lemon, pimentos, and onions. You pack a wallop of flavor into every bite. And not a single person will care that it doesn’t look festive.
9. Dorothy’s Holiday Cheese Ball
Here’s another sweet and savory option if that’s more your style. It combines Dorothy Lynch dressing, Craisins, and pecans. It also uses Havarti cheese instead of the usual cheddar. The result is a richer, creamier cheese ball that’s sure to delight a crowd.
10. Santa Cheese Ball
Ranch and cheddar is one combination that just about anyone can get behind. And when you work those flavors into a rosy-cheeked Santa cheese ball, that’s even better. Don’t worry, you won’t need artistic skills to make this one. It’s super easy and takes 30 minutes or less to pull together. The only problem most people will have? They won’t want to destroy your artistic masterpiece. Trust me, though, it tastes too good not to eat. So be sure they dig in!
11. Santa’s Reindeer Cheese Balls
Turn your favorite mini cheese balls into tiny reindeer with this easy-to-follow recipe. As written, the recipe is for a bacon-ranch cheese ball. But you could easily swap out the ingredients for your favorite cheese ball recipe. The essential things are the pretzel antlers and tomato noses. That’s all it takes to turn appetizers into Rudolphs.
12. Rudolph Chicken Cheese Ball
More in the mood for a giant Rudolph? No problem. You still use pretzel twists, but you’ll swap out diced tomatoes for a single grape tomato. As with the mini ones, you can use whatever cheese ball recipe you like. This one is a chicken cheese ball, though, and I highly recommend trying it. It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of chunky goodness.
13. Santa Cheesecake Ball
Here’s another fun Santa cheese ball, but this one is sweet. It’s the perfect option if you need a quick and easy dessert for your holiday party. You’ll need fewer than ten ingredients and about 15 minutes to make it. Remember the extra 2-hour chill time, though. Don’t wait until the last minute to make it. It’s lightly flavored with vanilla and powdered sugar. And there are strawberries, marshmallows, coconut, and more. It’s pretty indulgent, but hey, Christmas comes but once a year!
14. Grinch Cheese Ball
Snowmen, Santa Claus, and Christmas trees are all great. But in my house, the Grinch is the real star of the show. That’s why this Grinch cheese ball is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a gorgeous Grinchy green all the way through. Then, you’ll cover the outside in red candy heart sprinkles. Don’t worry, this is a dessert cheese ball. The candied sprinkles won’t clash. It looks fantastic and tastes like sweet, sugary cake. You’re welcome.
15. Holiday Ranch Cheese Ball
This cheddar-ranch snowman might be the yummiest snowman you’ll ever meet. He might not come alive like Frosty, but I promise you’ll love him just as much. And because he’s a flavor-packed cheesy masterpiece, the kids will, too.
16. Pomegranate Jeweled Cheese Ball
This strikingly beautiful cheese ball is almost too lovely to eat. Its gorgeous jewel tones make it look like an appetizer fit for a queen. And believe it or not, its sparkly shine is all natural! You make the cheese ball with three types of cheese, salt, pepper, almonds, and sage. But the sparkling pomegranate arils take it to the next level. Its good looks aren’t all it has going for it, either. It’s sweet, tangy, and herby, the perfect combination for a spectacular starter.
17. French Onion and Bacon Cheese Ball
Do you enjoy French onion dip? How about bacon and cheese? If you answered yes to all those things, you’ll love this recipe. It’s a savory, tangy, and herby treat that the whole family will love. And if the taste isn’t addictive enough, the texture certainly will be. You’ll love the combination of creamy cheese and crunchy caramelized onions.
18. Cannoli Cheese Ball
Creamy, chocolatey, and just a bit citrusy. Those are the best words to describe this delicious dessert cheese ball. It’s like a deconstructed cannoli that you’ll dip with graham crackers and other sweet treats. You won’t have to worry about leftovers with this one.
19. Bacon Pesto Cheese Ball
This bacon pesto cheese ball is flavorful to the max. Every bite is a party for your tastebuds. It combines several robust ingredients like bacon, pesto, garlic, mozzarella, red onions, etc. There are even pine nuts, peppers, and parsley in the mix! Serve it with toasted baguette slices, crackers, or even veggies. It doesn’t matter what you pair it with. It’s bound to be a hit.
20. Apple Cheddar Cheese Ball
Combining sweet and savory flavors is always a good idea. This six-ingredient cheese ball does just that .You use Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples to give it plenty of tart, apple sweetness. They taste phenomenal against the savory saltiness of the cheeses and pecans. Mix in some maple syrup for extra sweetness, and you’re all set. It’s another amazing appetizer that might even outshine the main course.
21. Swiss Almond Cheese Ball
Are you looking for something a little more traditional? This recipe makes a good, old-fashioned cheese ball with cheese, bacon, onions, and nuts. It’s easy to make, requires nothing fancy, and is ready in 30 minutes or less. Just be sure to give it time to chill before serving it.
22. Port Wine Cheese Ball
The port wine cheese ball is another classic option. The recipe’s author calls it retro, which is a good word for it. It’s the kind of cheese ball your mom probably served during her ’80s cocktail parties. It’s savory and rich, with a bit of a kick from the cayenne. Oh, and it tastes terrific with a tall glass of wine.
23. Chocolate Toffee Cheese Ball
What’s better than a sugary vanilla cheese ball for dessert? How about a sugary vanilla cheese ball covered in chocolate, toffee, and pecans? Yep. That might do it. Give this recipe a try if you’re craving something sweet. Just don’t be surprised if you can’t keep the kiddos away from it.
24. Garlic and Onion Cheddar Cheese Ball
Garlic and onions always taste fantastic together. That’s as true for cheese balls as it is for everything else. You can whip up this earthy, herby appetizer in about 10 minutes. All you need is cream cheese, garlic salt, green onions, cheddar, and chopped pecans. It doesn’t get much simpler than that. And thankfully, it tastes as good as it looks (and smells).
25. Christmas Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Looking for something super festive? You can’t beat this peppermint-covered, M&M-studded cheese ball. The inside is sweet and creamy, full of vanilla and chocolate yumminess. The outside is delightfully crunchy and features plenty of peppermint flavor. Add a few Christmas M&Ms for extra color and chocolatey-ness, and you’re all set. Again, keeping the kids out of it will be the real challenge. Click on a star to rate it!
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