Save Adorable and festive, these creamy herb-infused cheeseball snowmen are perfect for holiday entertaining. Served with crisp vegetable dippers, they&re as delightful to eat as they are to look at.
When I brought out a platter of cheeseball snowmen last December, the kids giggled and insisted on naming every snowman before gobbling them up. Adults, meanwhile, were just as happy to dip veggies and snack between stories.
Ingredients
- Cheeseballs: 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened, 1 cup (100 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, ¼ tsp sea salt
- For Rolling & Decorating: ½ cup (50 g) finely chopped toasted pecans (optional, for rolling), ½ cup (50 g) shredded coconut (unsweetened, for rolling), ½ cup (60 g) finely grated Parmesan cheese (for rolling), whole black peppercorns or black olive pieces (for eyes/buttons), mini carrot sticks or carrot slices (for noses), fresh chive stems (for scarf/ties), pretzel sticks (for arms, optional), sliced red bell pepper or pimento (for scarves, optional)
- Veggie Dippers: 2 medium carrots, cut into sticks, 1 cucumber, sliced into sticks, 1 red bell pepper, sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced, 1 cup (100 g) cherry tomatoes, 1 cup (100 g) snap peas
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Shape Snowmen:
- Divide the mixture into 16 portions: 8 larger balls for snowman bodies, 8 smaller balls for heads.
- Roll in Coating:
- Roll each ball in your choice of coating: chopped pecans, shredded coconut, or grated Parmesan. Place on parchment-lined tray, stacking one smaller ball atop a larger ball to shape snowmen. Gently press together.
- Chill:
- Chill assembled snowmen in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Decorate:
- Use black peppercorns or olive pieces for eyes and buttons, mini carrot for nose, chive stem or bell pepper for scarf, and pretzel sticks for arms if desired.
- Serve:
- Arrange snowmen on a platter surrounded by veggie dippers. Serve chilled.
Save My little ones love helping roll and decorate these snowmen, each adding their own twist and plenty of giggles. These cheeseballs have quickly become a family tradition for our holiday get-togethers.
Notes & Substitutions
Substitute pecans with sunflower seeds for nut-free. For extra flavor, add ½ tsp smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture. Use gluten-free crackers for dippers if needed.
Allergen Information
Contains: Milk (cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan). Tree Nuts (pecans, optional). Gluten (pretzel sticks, optional). May contain: Egg, Soy, or other allergens depending on cheese brand and veggie dippers. Always check labels if allergies are a concern.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, rubber spatula, knife and cutting board, small spoon (for shaping), parchment paper, serving platter
Save Bring joy to your next party with these playful cheeseball snowmen. They turn any gathering into a winter wonderland of flavor and fun!
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
The dish uses cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and grated Parmesan for rolling.
- → How are the cheeseballs decorated?
Edible decorations like black peppercorns or olives for eyes and buttons, mini carrot sticks for noses, and chive stems or bell pepper strips as scarves are used.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the cheeseball snowmen can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance and kept covered in the refrigerator.
- → Are there nut-free options for rolling the balls?
Yes, sunflower seeds can be used instead of pecans to accommodate nut-free diets.
- → What vegetables are included as dippers?
Fresh carrot sticks, cucumber, red and yellow bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and snap peas are served alongside.
- → Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
When served with gluten-free dippers or crackers, the dish can be enjoyed gluten-free.