Name: Reindeer Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 16 ounces cream cheese, softened; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 (1 oz.) packet of ranch seasoning; ¼ cup green onion, chopped; 3/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon; ⅓ cup chopped pecans; 2 black olives; 1 cherry tomato; 4 mini twist pretzels; Crackers and pretzels for dipping

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If you are looking for the ultimate Christmas cheese ball, look no further. Not only is this cheese ball delicious, but it doesn’t get more Christmas than our reindeer cheese ball. We packed this cheese ball recipe full of flavor with ranch seasoning mix, green onions, bacon, and more! You won’t regret this fun holiday appetizer- your family and friends won’t be able to stop talking about it, and it is so tasty, too.

a reindeer shaped cheese ball on a platter with crackers

You can serve this cheese ball with your favorite crackers, or even vegetables, pretzels, and more! The possibilities are endless, and you’ll love having this cheese ball as a part of your holiday table.

Reindeer Cheese Ball Ingredients

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (1 oz.) packet of ranch seasoning
¼ cup green onion, chopped
3/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon
⅓ cup chopped pecans
2 black olives
1 cherry tomato
4 mini twist pretzels
Crackers and pretzels for dipping

cheese ball ingredients in bowls on a table- cream cheese, green onion, bacon, pecans, cheese, ranch seasoning, and more.

Directions

Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and green onion.

Tip: spread the cream cheese out into the bottom of the bowl first, to make things easier to mix.

Step 2: Fold all of the ingredients together until well combined and everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Once well combined, shape the cheese ball into a ball shape.

a cheese ball formed in a large mixing bowl

Step 4: Wrap the cheese ball in saran wrap, and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or over night.

Step 5: Before serving, combine the bacon and pecans and sprinkle into an even layer on a plate.

chopped pecans and bacon in a layer on a plate

Step 6: Roll the cheese ball into the bacon and pecan mixture, until covered.

Step 7: To add the black olive eyes and tomato nose, use a spoon to scoop out a bit of the cheeseball where you want them placed, and press into the cheese ball, re-covering with any of the bacon mixture, as needed.

Step 8: Press 4 pretzels into the top of the cheese ball for antlers.

a cheese ball coated in pecans and bacon, with olive eyes, a tomato nose, and pretzel antlers, made to look like a reindeer

Seriously, this is the cutest cheese ball I’ve ever seen, second only to our Snowman cheese ball. We love the rich flavors of this recipe and how it is the star of our holiday celebration. If you make this, be sure and let us know what your guests think- leave us a comment below! If you need more reindeer inspired holiday treats, check out our Reindeer Gingerbread Cookies.

More Holiday Appetizers & Festive Cheese Balls

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Turkey Shaped Cheese Ball

Pumpkin Shaped Cheese Ball

Yield: 16 servings

Reindeer Cheese Ball

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 6 hours

Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

16 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 (1 oz.) packet of ranch seasoning
¼ cup green onion, chopped
3/4 cup cooked, chopped bacon
⅓ cup chopped pecans
2 black olives
1 cherry tomato
4 mini twist pretzels
Crackers and pretzels for dipping

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, and green onion.
Fold all of the ingredients together until well combined and everything is evenly distributed.
Once well combined, shape the cheese ball into a ball shape.
Wrap the cheese ball in saran wrap, and refrigerate at least 6 hours, or over night.
Before serving, combine the bacon and pecans and sprinkle into an even layer on a plate.
Roll the cheese ball into the bacon and pecan mixture, until covered.
To add the black olive eyes and tomato nose, use a spoon to scoop out a bit of the cheeseball where you want them placed, and press into the cheese ball, re-covering with any of the bacon mixture, as needed.
Press 4 pretzels into the top of the cheese ball for antlers.