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Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls coated with nuts and dried fruit, each decorated with two pretzel twists on top, are arranged on a white plate against a blurred festive background.

Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls

Mandy Applegate
I love making these Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls for Christmas parties and potlucks because they're adorable and packed with creamy ranch, cheddar, and sweet cranberries. The pecan coating adds crunch, making them a perfect festive appetizer. Kids and adults love them. They're easy to make ahead, which is perfect for busy holiday prep.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Chill Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 175 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
 
 

  • 7 ounces cream cheese softened
  • 2 tablespoons dried cranberries finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
  • ½ cup cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ cup pecans finely chopped
  • Whole black peppercorns for eyes
  • Mini pretzels broken in half (for antlers)
  • Dried cranberries for noses

Instructions
 

  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, chopped cranberries, parsley, chives, and ranch seasoning. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    7 ounces cream cheese, 2 tablespoons dried cranberries, 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon fresh chives, ½ cup cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • Using a small scoop or spoon, shape the mixture into bite-sized balls. Roll each cheese ball in the chopped pecans until evenly coated on all sides.
    ½ cup pecans
  • Decorate each cheese ball to look like a reindeer: Press two pretzel halves on top for antlers. Add two peppercorns for eyes. Place one dried cranberry in the center for the nose.
    Whole black peppercorns, Mini pretzels, Dried cranberries
  • Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to help them firm up.

Video

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Notes

Here are my best tips for making perfect reindeer cheese balls every time.
  • Soften the cream cheese properly: Let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes so it softens and blends easily with the other ingredients.
  • Use a cookie scoop for a uniform size: Use a 1-tablespoon scoop to make neat, evenly sized cheese balls every time.
  • Toast the pecans first: Toast them on a baking sheet at 350°F for 5–7 minutes until fragrant to bring out a richer flavor and crunch.
  • Press decorations in gently: Gently press the peppercorns and cranberries into the cream cheese so they stick without cracking the pecan coating.
  • Chill before decorating if they're too soft: If the cheese feels too soft to hold the pretzels and peppercorns, pop the pecan-coated balls in the fridge for 15 minutes to firm up.
  • Flash freeze for storage: Freeze the cheese balls on a baking sheet for an hour to keep the decorations intact and prevent them from sticking together.

Nutrition

Calories: 175kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 32mgSodium: 265mgPotassium: 69mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 466IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 0.2mg
Keyword Reindeer Mini Cheese Balls
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