When the holiday season rolls around, nothing brings people together quite like a festive cheese ball. Picture this: a creamy, dreamy Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts that your friends and family will rave about for years to come. This delicious centerpiece will have everyone gathering around, eager to spread it on crackers, veggies, or even their fingers—hey, we don’t judge!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>How to Make Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What can I serve with the Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts?
- Can I prepare the cheese ball ahead of time?
- Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
Imagine the joyous aroma wafting through your kitchen as you whip this delightful treat together. The smooth cream cheese mingles with sharp cheddar and crunchy walnuts, creating a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. Whether it’s for an office party or a cozy family gathering, this cheese ball is sure to become a cherished tradition in your holiday repertoire.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts is incredibly easy to prepare, making it a breeze for any host
- Its rich flavor profile combines savory and slightly sweet notes that appeal to everyone
- The visual appeal of this festive dish brightens up any table
- Perfect as an appetizer or snack during holiday gatherings and versatile enough to customize based on personal preferences
I remember the first time I made this cheese ball; my friends couldn’t get enough of it! They practically fought over the last bite—definitely a win in my book.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the richest flavor and best texture when blending.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh sharp cheddar for that perfect balance of tangy richness.
Walnuts: Use finely chopped walnuts for added crunch and nutty flavor; toast them lightly for extra depth.
Dried Cranberries: These add a pop of sweetness and color; feel free to substitute with chopped dried apricots if preferred.
Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions bring brightness and a mild onion flavor that complements the cheese beautifully.
Garlic Powder: This adds extra depth; use fresh minced garlic if you prefer a stronger kick.
Fresh Herbs (like Parsley): Chopped parsley adds freshness and a beautiful green hue to your cheese ball’s exterior.
Crackers or Veggies: Choose an assortment of crackers or crunchy veggies for serving; variety makes dipping more fun!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts
Prepare Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Grate the sharp cheddar cheese and finely chop the walnuts, cranberries, green onions, and herbs. Set aside in separate bowls for easy access.
Mix the Cheese Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, garlic powder, green onions, and cranberries. Use an electric mixer until well blended and creamy—your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
Add the Nuts & Herbs: Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and fresh herbs using a spatula. Be careful not to overmix; you want those lovely bits throughout your cheese ball.
Shape Your Cheese Ball: Once combined, transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap. Gather the corners together and shape it into a ball. Ensure it’s tightly wrapped so it holds its shape while chilling.
Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate your shaped cheese ball for at least two hours or until firm. This step allows all those delicious flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve & Enjoy!: Unwrap your chilled masterpiece and place it on a serving platter. Garnish with additional walnuts and herbs if desired. Serve alongside an array of crackers or fresh veggies for dipping!
This delightful Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts is perfect for sharing joy during the holiday season—or keeping all to yourself if you’re feeling particularly festive!
You Must Know
- This Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts is more than just a festive appetizer; it’s a conversation starter
- Its creamy texture and nutty crunch create a delightful combination that will have your guests asking for the recipe
- Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, even for beginners
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing cream cheese and herbs until smooth, then fold in walnuts for even distribution. This ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap walnuts for pecans or add dried cranberries for a sweet twist. Experimenting makes this dish uniquely yours!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. No reheating needed—just serve cold!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the perfect consistency, let cream cheese soften before mixing
- Avoid over-mixing; you want a bit of texture from the walnuts
- Remember, presentation matters—shape your cheese ball nicely before chilling!
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of holiday gatherings where everyone dug in enthusiastically as soon as I set it out.
FAQ
What can I serve with the Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts?
Try pairing it with crackers, veggie sticks, or even apple slices for a refreshing crunch.
Can I prepare the cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it a day before and chill overnight for enhanced flavors.
Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! Use vegan cream cheese and nuts to create a delicious dairy-free alternative.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: About 10 servings 1x
Description
This festive Christmas Cheese Ball with Walnuts is the ultimate holiday appetizer that brings joy and flavor to your gatherings. With a creamy blend of rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crunchy walnuts, this cheese ball is not only easy to prepare but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Perfect for spreading on crackers or veggies, it’s sure to become a beloved tradition at your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped (lightly toasted)
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Crackers or veggie sticks for serving
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and chop the walnuts, cranberries, green onions, and parsley.
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, grated cheddar, garlic powder, green onions, and cranberries. Mix until smooth.
- Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and parsley until evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture onto plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Serve with an assortment of crackers or fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 oz
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
