Elevate your holiday spread with these Christmas cheese balls!
They look impressive, taste phenomenal, and are so easy to make. Your friends and family will love them!
Cheese balls are 100% my thing. It doesn’t matter if they’re sweet, savory, or spicy. That’s why I’m so excited to share this list with you.
These holiday appetizers incorporate many seasonal flavors. Some are even decorated like Santa and the Grinch.
So if you’re on the hunt for delicious festive appetizers, 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.
You get a scrumptious creamy center flavored with Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and grated onion. All rolled in dried cranberries and pecans.
It looks impressive and yet it’s effortless to make.
2. Christmas Cheese Tree
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. Cheddar, cream cheese, and nuts to name a few.
However, the presentation is so much more exciting. Your friends and family will love it!
3. Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball
Is shaping a Christmas tree cheese ball out of your wheelhouse? Whip up this snowman version instead.
The process is as simple as rolling up a standard cheese ball. Except, this one comes doubled up.
Of course, you can’t forget the decorations! Black pepper and a baby carrot create the classic snowman face.
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.
You get a cheese ball and an antipasto platter in one!
5. Mini Cheese Ball Holiday Platter
Don’t let the looks fool up. Building this Christmas tree appetizer is easier than it looks.
It combines a bunch of mini cheese balls for one festive platter. What’s even better is that you get multiple flavors.
Have an uncle who doesn’t like dill or a grandma allergic to nuts? No problem! Just customize the cheese balls your way.
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
Searching for easy Christmas appetizers? Add this to the list! You need only six ingredients to make this salty, tangy treat.
Cream cheese, white cheddar, green onions, and garlic powder make up the base.
Cover it with cranberries and toasted pecans for that signature holiday taste.
8. Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball
Cheesy, savory, and zesty, this ball of goodness has everything you could possibly want.
The bacon bits add a delightful crunch to the creamy center. But what you don’t see coming is the explosion of ranch flavor.
The best part is, you only need four ingredients and 10 minutes.
9. Holiday Cheese Ball Recipe
Here’s another sweet and savory option I think you’ll adore.
White cheddar and cream cheese are rolled with garlic and green onion. My favorite part, though, is the pomegranate seed coating.
Topped with a Rolo and sprig of rosemary, it looks just like a Christmas ornament. So it comes dressed up for the holiday.
10. Santa Cheese Ball
Ranch and cheddar is a crowd-pleasing combo. Those flavors get even better as a rosy-cheeked Santa cheese ball!
Don’t worry, you won’t need artistic skills to make this one. It’s super easy and takes about 30 minutes.
Trust me, your party guests will love this holiday finger food!
11. Ornament Pesto Sun-dried Tomato Cheese Balls
I have a reputation for hogging this cheese ball. But can you blame me?
The flavor combination is incredibly irresistible. You get tangy goat cheese, cream cheese, fresh pesto, toasted pine nuts, and sun-dried tomatoes.
Forget the crackers, I’ll eat it with a spoon!
12. Rudolph Chicken Cheese Ball
More in the mood for a giant Rudolph? No problem! You can craft this Christmas masterpiece with just seven ingredients.
Chicken, ranch, and cream cheese come rolled in pecans. Olives, pretzels, and cherry tomatoes make it complete.
It’s hearty, flavorful, and full of savory goodness.
13. Santa Cheesecake Ball
Looking for a sweet Santa cheese ball dressed to impress? Kids and adults will go wild for this one!
It’s the perfect option if you need an easy dessert for your holiday party. You need less than ten ingredients and about 15 minutes to make it.
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 star of the show.
If you love him too, you have to try this Christmas appetizer.
Hiding inside is a sweet surprise of white cake and cream cheese. Covered in red candy heart sprinkles, even this dessert will make the Grinch’s holiday!
15. Mini Pimento Cheese Balls
It’s not Christmas without a pimento cheese ball on the table!
This classic appetizer gets revamped mini-style. So you don’t have to fight your siblings for the last bite.
The inside is a creamy, cheesy mix packed with cheddar and pimentos. For more texture, they’re rolled in nuts and chives. Yum!
16. Pomegranate Jeweled Cheese Ball
This strikingly beautiful cheese ball is almost too lovely to eat! And yes, it tastes as good as it looks.
The center features three types of cheese, salt, pepper, almonds, and sage.
But the sparkling pomegranate arils take it to the next level. 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? Then add this to your list of Christmas party foods!
It’s a savory, tangy, and herby treat. And if the taste isn’t addictive enough, the texture certainly will be.
You’ll love the mix of creamy cheese and crunchy caramelized onions. I know I do!
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. Pinecone Holiday Cheese Ball
This pinecone cheese ball would look so festive on your holiday table.
The inside is chock-full of herbs, mayo, and three types of cheese. Then there’s the shaved almond exterior that looks just like a pine cone!
It almost looks too good to eat. The keyword here being almost.
20. Apple Cheddar Cheese Ball
Combining sweet and savory flavors is always a good idea. And this six-ingredient cheese ball does just that!
Honeycrisp and Granny Smith give it plenty of tart, apple sweetness. It tastes phenomenal with the savory saltiness of the cheeses and pecans.
Mix in maple syrup and it’s a party for your taste buds.
21. Swiss Almond Cheese Ball
Are you looking for something a little more traditional? Try this old-fashioned cheese ball recipe.
It’s creamy, nutty, savory, and herby. The add-ins include bacon, onions, spices, herbs, and nuts.
It’s easy to make and requires nothing fancy. Have it ready in 30 minutes or less.
22. Port Wine Cheese Ball
The port wine cheese ball is another classic option. It’s about as retro as they come!
It’s the kind of cheese ball your mom probably served during her ‘80s cocktail parties.
Savory and rich, it’s got a bit of a kick from the cayenne. Oh, and it tastes terrific with a tall glass of wine.
23. Chocolate Chip 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. Cranberry Pistachio Cheeseball
Sweet, savory, creamy, cheesy, and nutty, this cheese ball is an explosion of flavor. What you don’t expect is that it only takes six ingredients.
Dijon and garlic add a kick to the center. Cranberries and pistachios also add a sweet, nutty crunch.
It’s simple, super tasty, and only takes 10 minutes to make.
25. Christmas Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
Looking for something festive to complete your Christmas appetizer spread? You can’t beat this candy-studded cheese ball.
The inside is sweet and creamy, full of vanilla and chocolate yumminess. The outside is delightfully crunchy and full of peppermint.
Add a few Christmas M&Ms for extra color and chocolatey goodness.
25 Best Christmas Cheese Balls
24
servings30
minutes90
163
KcalFor a holiday to remember, try these festive mini Christmas cheese balls! Enjoy three festive flavors: pomegranate jewels, crunchy pistachio green, and classic pecan-parsley in these cheese delights.
Ingredients
- For the Cheese Balls:
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup feta, crumbled
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Coatings:
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 cup pistachios, finely chopped
1/2 cup pecans, finely chopped and toasted
1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- Additional:
Pretzel sticks for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar, and feta. Mix until well blended.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the mixture to firm up.
- Once chilled, use a spoon or small ice cream scoop to form the mixture into small, bite-sized balls. Roll each ball between your palms to smooth out any edges and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
- Prepare the coatings. Place pomegranate seeds and pistachios in separate shallow plates. Combine pecans and parsley in a third plate.
- Roll a third of the cheese balls in pomegranate seeds until well covered, pressing gently to adhere.
- Roll another third in the chopped pistachios, and the final third in the toasted pecans mixed with parsley.
- Insert a pretzel stick into each cheese ball to serve as a handle.
- Refrigerate the balls for another 30 minutes to an hour to set the coatings.
- Serve cheese balls on a festive serving platter, alternating the different coatings for a colorful display.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- Toast the nuts before chopping to enhance their flavor and crunchiness.
- Pair with a variety of crackers and sliced baguettes to suit all tastes.
Nutrition
- Calories: 163kcal
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
- Sodium: 374mg
- Potassium: 62mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Calcium: 87mg
- Iron: 1mg
