This Snowman Cheese Ball is the ultimate Christmas party appetizer—adorable centerpiece and so easy to make!
When you’re unsure what to bring to your next Christmas gathering, this snowman-shaped cheese ball is always a crowd-pleaser—almost too cute to eat (but too tasty to resist!).
Prep it the day before for stress-free hosting. Simply assemble, refrigerate on a platter, and add crackers right before serving.
Fun, festive, and budget-friendly—this appetizer checks all the holiday boxes!
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Snowman Cheese Ball Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: Softened at room temperature will make it easier to mix together. Leave out on the counter for 30 minutes.
- Ranch Seasoning: One packet of ranch seasoning is all you need to season it but you can also use an Italian herbs mix.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: I like to use mild cheddar cheese but you can use sharp cheddar or Monterey cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: I use this to roll the cheese ball in but you can use other kinds of cheeses if you’d like.
- Carrot Tip: This is used to make the nose for the snowman.
- Peppercorns: Used to make the eyes and mouth of the snowman. You can also use them to make buttons.
- Rosemary Sprigs: Used for the arms of the snowman.
How to Make a Snowman Cheese Ball
In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, packet of ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix together scraping down the sides of the bowl until combined.
Make 2 balls: one large for the body and one small for the head. Wrap each one in saran wrap and chill in fridge for 4 hours.
Open plastic wrap and drizzle some parmesan then roll and press lightly till the parmesan is coated around each ball.
Place a toothpick or small skewer pick into the bottom ball and then place the top ball on the other half of the pick.
Add the carrot tip for the nose and peppercorns for eyes and mouth. Place the rosemary at each side for the arms.
Serve immediately on a platter with a variety of crackers.
Helpful Tips and Variations
- You can swap peppercorns for chocolate chips for eyes and mouth.
- Add some heat with red pepper flakes.
- You can also serve with veggie like celery or carrots.
- Allow to soften a bit before serving.
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftovers in plastic wrap and store in fridge for up to 3 days.
More Christmas Appetizers
- Christmas Tree Charcuterie Board
- Wreath Veggie Tray
- Christmas Tree Spinach Dip Bread
- Holly Avocado Deviled Eggs
Recipe
Snowman Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 oz. cream cheese softened at room temperature
- 1 (1oz.) package ranch seasoning mix
- 3 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 carrot tip
- 9 peppercorns whole
- 2 sprigs rosemary
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, add softened cream cheese, packet of ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix together scraping down the sides of the bowl until combined.
- Make 2 balls: one large for the body and one small for the head. Wrap each one in saran wrap and chill in fridge for 4 hours.
- Open plastic wrap and drizzle some parmesan then roll and press lightly till the parmesan is coated around each ball.
- Place a toothpick or small skewer pick into the bottom ball and then place the top ball on the other half of the pick.
- Add the carrot tip for the nose and peppercorns for eyes and mouth. Place the rosemary at each side for the arms.
- Serve immediately on a platter with a variety of crackers.
Nutrition Disclosure
Nutritional facts are estimates and are provided as a courtesy to the reader. Please utilize your own brand nutritional values to double check against our estimates. Nutritional values are calculated via a third party. Changing ingredients, amounts or cooking technique will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.
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