Pin This A whimsical and festive appetizer featuring three creamy cheese balls shaped and decorated as cheerful snowmen—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I always enjoyed making these snowman cheese balls with family during the holidays—they bring smiles to everyone's faces!
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
- Combine Ingredients:
- 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.
- Shape Cheese Balls:
- 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.
- Assemble Snowmen:
- On a serving platter, stack the cheese balls in snowman shapes (largest at the bottom, smallest on top).
- Decorate:
- 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.
- Chill:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Serve:
- Serve with crackers and fresh vegetables.
Pin This This recipe is a staple at many family gatherings and always gets rave reviews especially from kids who love the creative presentation.
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). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (cheese ball only approximate): Calories 180, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 2 g, Protein 9 g.
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This snowman cheese ball trio is sure to brighten your holiday table with flavor and fun in just under 30 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
- → What types of cheese are used in this dish?
This dish combines cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor.
- → How can I decorate the cheese balls to look like snowmen?
Use whole black peppercorns for eyes and buttons, carrot sticks for noses, bell pepper slices for scarves, and pretzel sticks for arms to create the snowman shapes.
- → Can this appetizer be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can shape and decorate the cheese balls up to 24 hours ahead. Keep them covered and chilled until ready to serve.
- → Are there gluten-free serving options?
Serve the cheese balls with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetables to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- → How long should the cheese balls chill before serving?
Chill the assembled cheese ball trio for at least one hour to allow them to firm up and hold their shape during serving.
- → Can I customize the flavor of the cheese mixture?
Yes, add chopped herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, or crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture for extra flavor variations.