Ornament Cheeseball

Ornament Cheeseball: A Festive and Flavorful Party Treat

If you’re looking to impress your guests at the next holiday gathering or party, this Ornament Cheeseball recipe is a perfect festive treat. It’s not only visually stunning, resembling a colorful holiday ornament, but it also offers a delightful combination of rich, creamy cheese and a crunchy, flavorful coating. This cheeseball is a crowd-pleaser that brings both charm and deliciousness to your party spread.

The Ornament Cheeseball combines classic savory flavors with a fun and eye-catching presentation. Unlike regular cheeseballs, this recipe uses a vibrant mixture of cheeses, spices, and toppings that mimic the bright and glittery look of holiday ornaments. It’s perfect as an appetizer served with crackers, vegetables, or even sliced baguette. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead, saving you time on busy holiday days.

Ingredients

For the Cheeseball:

• 225g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 115g (4 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 60g (2 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Coating:

• 50g (1/4 cup) finely chopped pecans or walnuts
• 50g (1/4 cup) finely shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 50g (1/4 cup) finely shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions (scallions)
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds (optional, for extra color and sweetness)

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chopped chives, black pepper, and salt.
2. Mix everything thoroughly using a hand mixer or spatula until well combined and smooth.
3. Using your hands or a spoon, shape the cheese mixture into a round ball about 3 to 4 inches in diameter.
4. Place the ball on a large piece of plastic wrap and wrap tightly. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
5. Prepare the coating ingredients by mixing the chopped pecans, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, chopped green onions, chopped red bell pepper, and dried cranberries or pomegranate seeds if using, in a small bowl.
6. Unwrap the chilled cheeseball and roll it gently in the coating mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the colorful coating evenly around the entire ball.
7. Transfer the coated cheeseball to a serving platter. If desired, decorate the top with a small fresh chive sprig or a few extra dried cranberries for a festive look.
8. Serve with an assortment of crackers, fresh vegetables, or slices of baguette. Enjoy!

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Chill time: 1 hour
• Total time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Servings: Makes about 8 servings
• Difficulty level: Easy

Tips & Variations

• For best results, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps in the mixture.
• Use a mix of sharp and mild cheeses for balanced flavor.
• Chill the cheeseball before coating to help the toppings stick better.
• Get creative with the coating colors and textures based on holiday themes or personal preference.
• Leftover cheeseball can be refrigerated, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 190
• Protein: 7g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fat: 16g
• Fiber: 1g

Conclusion

The Ornament Cheeseball is a fantastic addition to any festive table, combining eye-catching presentation with delicious flavors that your friends and family will love. It’s easy to make, fun to serve, and offers a great way to bring a bit of holiday sparkle to your appetizer selections.

Try serving it alongside your favorite crackers, fresh veggies, or crusty bread at your next party. Don’t hesitate to share your own creative twists or experiences in the comments below — I love hearing from you!