I’ve been the hit of holiday parties ever since I started bringing my easy holiday cheese ball snowman!
It’s adorable, delicious and so simple to make.
You just need cream cheese, white cheddar and a few garnishes to create this festive little guy.
Everyone gathers around him for pictures before diving in with crackers.
The best part? He looks impressive but only takes minutes to assemble.
Want to know the secret for getting those perfect snowman proportions?
Ingredients
Recommended Tools
Creating this adorable Holiday Cheese Ball Snowman is much easier when you have the right tools in your kitchen arsenal. These simple items will help you mix, shape and decorate your festive appetizer with ease so your snowman looks as good as it tastes.
- Electric Hand Mixer:
Makes quick work of beating cream cheese and butter until smooth for the perfect cheese ball texture.
- Cheese Grater:
Essential for grating the sharp white cheddar cheese both for mixing inside and coating the outside of your snowman.
- Mixing Bowls:
You’ll need at least one medium bowl to combine all your ingredients before shaping your snowman.
- Plastic Wrap:
Crucial for wrapping your cheese balls tightly before chilling them in the refrigerator for two hours.
- Serving Platter:
A nice flat platter provides the perfect stage for assembling and displaying your cheese ball snowman.
- Wooden Toothpicks:
Needed to securely attach the smaller cheese ball to the larger one when creating your snowman shape.
Instructions for Easy Holiday Cheese Ball Snowman
Ready to create the cutest appetizer for your holiday gathering? Let’s build a cheese ball snowman that’ll have everyone snapping pics before they dig in!
First, grab your 8 oz of sharp white cheddar and grate half of it. Set this aside – we’ll use it in the mixture. In a large bowl, beat 8 oz of softened cream cheese with 1/4 cup of butter until they’re super smooth and creamy.
Now fold in that grated cheddar, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of cracked black pepper. Mix everything until it’s perfectly combined!
Time to shape your snowman! Divide your cheese mixture into two portions – about 2/3 for the bottom and 1/3 for the top. Roll each portion into balls, wrap them separately in plastic wrap, and pop them in the fridge for at least 2 hours.
Trust me, this chilling step is crucial for easy assembly later!
Once chilled, grate the remaining cheddar and roll both cheese balls in it to create that snowy texture. Place the larger ball on your serving platter first, then carefully position the smaller ball on top.
Secure them together with a couple of toothpicks so your snowman doesn’t topple over!
Now for the fun part – decorating! Use 10 whole peppercorns to create eyes, a mouth, and buttons down the front. Slice a thin baby carrot into a tiny triangle for the perfect nose, and stick it right in the middle of the face.
For the finishing touch, add two rosemary sprigs as arms. How adorable is that?!
Let your snowman come to room temperature before serving (about 30 minutes) – it’ll be easier to spread and taste much better. Surround your creation with crackers and watch your guests smile as they dig in!
Pro Tips
For a perfectly smooth cheese ball with no cracks, dampen your hands slightly with water before rolling the mixture into balls, which prevents the cheese from sticking to your fingers and creates a seamless surface that’s easier to coat with the remaining grated cheddar.
Substitutions & Variations
This festive cheese ball snowman can be customized with different ingredients to suit various tastes and dietary needs while maintaining its charming winter appearance.
- Spicy Southwest Version: Swap the white cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add 1 tablespoon of chopped jalapeños to the mixture for a kick of heat.
- Mediterranean Style: Replace the parsley with basil, add 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes and use feta cheese for coating instead of cheddar.
- Vegan Friendly: Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheddar alternatives with nutritional yeast for extra flavor.
- Sweet Dessert Snowman: Transform into a dessert by using cream cheese mixed with powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then roll in white chocolate chips or shredded coconut.
- Nutty Variation: Add 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans to the cheese mixture and roll in a combination of remaining cheese and chopped nuts.
- Herb Garden Blend: Incorporate a tablespoon each of fresh dill, chives and thyme instead of just parsley for a more complex herb flavor profile.
Leftovers & Storage Tips
While your adorable cheese ball snowman will likely be devoured at your holiday gathering, proper storage becomes essential if you’re lucky enough to have leftovers.
Wrap him tightly in plastic wrap, removing any decorations first (those peppercorn buttons won’t taste great after days in the fridge!).
He’ll stay fresh for up to five days refrigerated.
Let him warm up for 30 minutes before serving again!
Festive Party Centerpiece
Easy Holiday Cheese Ball Snowman
A festive cheese ball snowman that makes a delightful holiday appetizer centerpiece.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz sharp white cheddar, divided and grated
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 10 whole peppercorns
- 1 thin baby carrot
- 2 rosemary sprigs
- Grate half the cheddar cheese.
- Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth; mix in half grated cheddar, garlic, parsley, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Divide mixture into two portions (2/3 and 1/3), roll into balls, wrap, and chill 2 hours.
- Roll balls in remaining cheddar; place large ball on platter.
- Secure smaller ball on top with toothpicks.
- Use peppercorns for eyes, mouth, and buttons; carrot for nose; rosemary for arms.
- Serve at room temperature.
