Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe
Introduction
This Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball is a festive and fun appetizer that’s perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy cheeses with a hint of ranch seasoning, it’s both flavorful and visually charming to delight your guests.

Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, at room temperature
- 1 oz package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded jack cheese
- 1 baby carrot
- Whole peppercorns
Instructions
- Step 1: Let the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar come to room temperature. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix until well blended.
- Step 2: Divide the cheese mixture into two portions: form one smaller cheese ball for the head and one larger cheese ball for the body. Wrap each ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up. This can be done several days in advance.
- Step 3: Just before serving, press the finely shredded jack cheese evenly into the surface of both cheese balls. Place the larger ball on a serving plate and set the smaller ball on top to create the snowman shape.
- Step 4: Slice the tip off the baby carrot and press it into the smaller cheese ball to form the snowman’s nose. Use whole peppercorns to create the eyes, mouth, and buttons down the front. Serve immediately with crackers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley to the cheese mixture before shaping.
- You can substitute the ranch seasoning with your favorite dry herb blend or a pinch of garlic powder.
- Use different colored shredded cheeses to give your snowman a unique look.
- Make smaller individual cheese balls as festive party favors or snacks.
Storage
Store the cheese balls tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften the cheese slightly. Leftover cheese ball can be served with crackers or vegetables.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese balls and chill them for several days in advance. Just add the shredded jack cheese and decorate right before serving for the freshest appearance.
What can I serve with the snowman cheese ball?
This cheese ball pairs well with a variety of crackers, fresh vegetables like celery and cucumber slices, or even pretzels for dipping.
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Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 to 15 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the festive season with this adorable Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball recipe, featuring a delightful blend of creamy and sharp cheeses seasoned with ranch mix. Perfect as a holiday appetizer, this charming cheese ball duo is shaped into a snowman, decorated with a baby carrot nose, peppercorn facial features, and shredded cheese coating. It’s an easy, make-ahead party favorite that pairs wonderfully with crackers for a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ingredients
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, at room temperature
- 1 oz package ranch seasoning mix
- 1 1/2 cups finely shredded jack cheese
Decorations
- 1 baby carrot
- Whole peppercorns (for eyes, mouth, and buttons)
Instructions
- Prepare Cheese Base: Let the cream cheese and shredded sharp cheddar cheese come to room temperature to ensure smooth mixing. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Mix until well blended and creamy.
- Shape Cheese Balls: Divide the cheese mixture into two portions: one smaller for the snowman’s head, and one larger for the body. Form each portion into a ball shape. Wrap each cheese ball separately in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up. This step can be done several days in advance.
- Apply Outer Coating: Just before serving, press the finely shredded jack cheese all over the surface of both cheese balls evenly to create the snowman’s white exterior.
- Assemble and Decorate: Place the larger cheese ball on a serving plate to form the body. Carefully place the smaller cheese ball on top to create the head. Cut the tip off a baby carrot and press it into the head cheese ball to make the snowman’s nose. Use whole peppercorns to form the eyes, mouth, and buttons down the front of the body.
- Serve: Serve the festive snowman cheese ball with an assortment of crackers for guests to enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe can be made several days ahead; keep refrigerated until serving.
- Allowing cheeses to come to room temperature before mixing makes for a smoother texture.
- For a festive twist, you can swap ranch seasoning mix with other dry seasoning blends.
- Use a variety of crackers such as water crackers, wheat crackers, or multigrain for serving.
- Ensure the cheese balls are well chilled before coating with shredded cheese for better adherence.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas cheese ball, holiday appetizer, snowman cheese ball, ranch cheese ball, festive appetizer, party cheese ball

