Description
Jolly Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive, ultra-creamy holiday appetizer that turns simple ingredients into a cheerful centerpiece. This easy 3-step recipe blends cream cheese, cheddar, green onions, roasted red peppers, and crunchy nuts, then rolls in parsley and festive decorations. Perfect for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings, it brings joyful flavor and color to any table while pairing beautifully with crackers, veggies, or pretzels.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- ¼ cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional for crunch)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for coating)
- Optional decorations: chopped red peppers, chopped green onions, dried cranberries
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, roasted red peppers, nuts (if using), garlic powder, and pepper.
- Mix until everything is evenly combined and smooth.
- Lay out a sheet of plastic wrap and scoop the cheese mixture onto it.
- Shape it into a ball, wrapping tightly to help secure the shape.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Once chilled, roll the cheese ball in chopped parsley until fully coated.
- Decorate with red peppers, green onions, or dried cranberries to add Christmas colors.
- Serve with crackers, pretzels, or fresh veggies.
Notes
- You can prepare several hours ahead and refrigerate to let flavors meld.
- To add extra crunch, use a mix of pecans and walnuts or swap in sliced almonds.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne or paprika.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ball
- Calories: Approximately 188 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 3 g
- Sodium: Approximately 180 mg
- Fat: Approximately 18 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 3 g
- Fiber: Approximately 2 g
- Protein: Approximately 5 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 40 mg
Keywords: Jolly Christmas Cheese Ball, Christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, cheese ball recipe, party snack, no-bake cheese ball, Christmas dip, festive cheese ball