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Reindeer cheese ball with cream cheese and cheddar, coated in pecans, pretzel antlers, black olive eyes, cherry tomato nose.

Reindeer Cheese Ball with Pecans and Pretzel Antlers

Cream cheese and cheddar reindeer cheese ball with ranch seasoning, chopped pecans, pretzel antlers, olive eyes, and a cherry tomato nose. Chills 6 hours.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Chill Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cream cheese 8 oz blocks, softened at room temperature
  • ⅓ cup sour cream
  • 8 oz medium cheddar cheese block, shredded
  • 2-3 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 cups pecans roughly chopped
  • 2 medium pitted black olives for the eyes
  • 1 cherry tomato for the nose
  • 2 regular sized pretzels for the antlers (I used Snyder’s Olde Tyme Pretzels)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese and sour cream together until smooth and well incorporated. (Letting the cream cheese come to room temperature will make it easier to mix.)
  2. Then add the shredded cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Beat until well combined and evenly distributed. You can start with two tablespoons of the ranch seasoning mix and then taste after it’s blended. Add another tablespoon of the ranch seasoning mix if you want more flavor and then beat again to incorporate. Remember, the flavors will get stronger and meld together as it chills.
  3. Lay down a large sheet of plastic wrap and pour the cheese ball mixture on top. You want the plastic wrap to be large enough to cover the entire cheese ball and be able to twist it shut. Use the plastic wrap to help mold the cheese mixture into a ball, twist it shut, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight for best results. This is to allow the cream cheese to harden back up and hold its shape.
  4. When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and transfer to a large plate or shallow bowl filled with chopped pecans. Then press the pecans into the cheese ball.
  5. Add 2 pretzels on top for the antlers, pressing it into the cheese ball deep enough that it stands on its own.
  6. Add two black olives for the eyes and one cherry tomato for the nose. You can use toothpicks to secure the eyes and nose in place or you can use pretzel sticks for an edible option.
  7. Surround the cheese ball with crackers for serving and add some fresh herbs for a festive touch if desired. Enjoy!