Ingredients
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional, for decoration)
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Edible glitter (optional)
Instructions
Mix the Cheese Base: In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and goat cheese. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend until smooth and creamy.
Season: Add the parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are incorporated.
Shape the Cheese Balls: Scoop out portions of the mixture and roll them into small, ornament-sized balls (about 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter).
Decorate: Roll each cheese ball in finely chopped pecans or another coating of your choice. You can also add edible glitter for a festive sparkle. Attach a small sprig of rosemary on top to mimic the ornament’s hook.
Chill: Place the cheese balls on a tray and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up.
Serve: Once chilled, arrange the cheese balls on a platter and serve with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies.
Notes
Customize: Feel free to swap the types of cheese used. For example, you could add some creamier cheeses like brie or mozzarella for a different texture.
Make Ahead: These cheese balls can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge, making them a great option for holiday parties.
Alternative Coatings: If you don’t want to use nuts, try rolling the cheese balls in crushed pretzels or even dried cranberries for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 MIN
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook, Chilled
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 25mg