Save to Pinterest A whimsical and festive appetizer featuring three creamy cheese balls shaped and decorated as cheerful snowmen—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I first served this at a holiday party and it was a big hit with guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- Cheese Mixture: 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened, 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 green onions, finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, Salt, to taste
- Decorations: 12–15 whole black peppercorns (for eyes/buttons), 3 small carrot sticks (for noses), 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced into strips (for scarves), 3 thin pretzel sticks (for arms), Fresh parsley or dill sprigs (optional, for hats/scarves), Crackers and fresh vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Step 2:
- Divide the mixture into three portions: one large (for the base), one medium (for the middle), and one small (for the head) for each snowman. Roll each portion into smooth balls.
- Step 3:
- On a serving platter, stack the cheese balls in snowman shapes (largest at the bottom, smallest on top).
- Step 4:
- Decorate each snowman: use peppercorns for eyes and buttons, carrot sticks for noses, bell pepper strips for scarves, and pretzel sticks for arms. Add parsley or dill for extra flair if desired.
- Step 5:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Step 6:
- Serve with crackers and fresh vegetables.
Save to Pinterest This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, sparking smiles and compliments.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Rubber spatula or spoon, Serving platter, Small knife
Allergen Information
Contains Milk/Dairy (cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan). May contain Gluten if served with regular crackers; use gluten-free options as needed. Contains Wheat (pretzel arms); omit or substitute for gluten-free option if needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (cheese ball only, approx.): Calories 180, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 9 g
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this charming and delicious appetizer that’s guaranteed to be the highlight of your holiday spread.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used in this cheese ball trio?
The trio combines cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a balanced creamy and sharp flavor.
- → How do you shape and assemble the snowmen?
The cheese mixture is divided into three ball sizes for each snowman and stacked largest to smallest on a platter before decorating.
- → What decorations are used to create the snowman features?
Black peppercorns form eyes and buttons, carrot sticks serve as noses, bell pepper strips act as scarves, and pretzel sticks become arms.
- → Can this be prepared in advance?
Yes, shape and decorate the cheese balls, cover loosely, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before serving.
- → Is there a gluten-free option for serving?
Serve with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetables to suit gluten-free dietary needs.