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Close-up of a Snowman Cheeseball covered in shredded white cheddar cheese with peppercorn eyes, mouth, and buttons and a baby carrot nose, surrounded by pretzels and crackers on a serving platter.
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Snowman Cheeseball

A playful Snowman Cheeseball appetizer that is easy to shape, simple to decorate, and perfect for serving with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies at your next Christmas party.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Prep Time 12 minutes
Chilling Time 2 hours
Servings 16
Calories 221kcal
Author Michelle Ordever

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 16 ounces finely shredded white cheddar cheese room temperature (1 cup reserved)
  • 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 baby carrot
  • 14 whole peppercorns
  • 2 pretzel sticks
  • Crackers and pretzels for serving
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
    Beating Cream Cheese
  • Add the ranch seasoning and mix until fully combined.
    Ranch Added to Cream Cheese
  • Reserve 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Beat the remaining cheddar into the cream cheese mixture until evenly incorporated.
    Adding Grated Cheese to Bowl
  • Line a work surface with parchment paper. Wearing plastic gloves, divide the cheese mixture into two portions—one slightly larger than the other. Shape each into a ball and gently flatten into thick disks.
    Shaping the Cheese Balls
  • Wrap each disk tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours until firm.
    Cheese Balls Wrapped in Plastic Wrap
  • Remove the disks from the refrigerator and place them on parchment so they touch. Gently press together to form the snowman shape.
  • Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheese over the cheeseball and gently press it into the surface.
  • Transfer to a serving platter. Insert the baby carrot into the top disk for the nose. Use peppercorns to create the eyes, mouth, and buttons.
    Carrot Stick & Peppercorns To Make Snowman's Features
  • Arrange pretzel sticks and crackers around the Snowman Cheeseball—serve and enjoy!
    Snowman-shaped cheeseball coated in shredded white cheddar cheese with peppercorn eyes, mouth, and buttons and a baby carrot nose, served on a round platter with pretzels and crackers for a Christmas appetizer.

Notes

Tips

  • Let the reserved shredded cheese come to room temperature before coating—it sticks much better.
  • Wearing gloves makes shaping the cheeseball cleaner and easier.
 

Substitutions

  • Use finely shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack if white cheddar is unavailable.
  • Mini olives can be used instead of peppercorns if preferred.
  • If you cannot find ranch seasoning where you live, you can easily make a homemade ranch-style blend using:
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon each dill, chives, garlic powder, and onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon each salt and pepper
  • It gives the cheeseball the same creamy, herby flavor without needing a packet mix.
  • Or use a ready-seasoned cream cheese like garlic and herb.
 

Leftovers & Freezing

  • Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • This Snowman Cheeseball is not recommended for freezing, as the cream cheese's texture can change when thawed.
Always consult the Food Standards Agency in your country for the most up-to-date advice on storing and freezing foods: Food Safety (USA) | Food Standards Agency (UK)

Nutrition

Calories: 221kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 57mg | Sodium: 409mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 0.04g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 751IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 229mg | Iron: 0.1mg