If you’re looking for a fun, festive appetizer that not only tastes amazing but also steals the show at any party, then you’re going to adore this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe. It’s charming, cheesy, and surprisingly simple to put together — trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it every holiday season or winter get-together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive and Fun Presentation: This cheeseball looks like an adorable snowman that instantly becomes a conversation starter.
- Simple to Make: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, making it accessible even if you’re no gourmet chef.
- Deliciously Creamy and Sharp: The blend of sharp white cheddar with smooth cream cheese hits just the right balance of flavors.
- Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a keto-friendly appetizer or simply a tasty snack, everyone goes crazy for it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe comes from combining sharp cheddar with rich cream cheese and fresh herbs, giving it that unforgettable flavor you’ll want to share. When shopping, opt for high-quality sharp cheddar and really fresh garlic to make the most of the taste.
- Cabot Seriously Sharp White Cheddar: This sharp cheddar adds bold flavor and melts beautifully when mixed.
- Cream cheese: Make sure it’s softened for easy blending — this gives you that creamy texture we all crave.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps with the smooth consistency.
- Garlic: Fresh is best here — minced finely for even flavor distribution.
- Fresh chopped parsley: Adds a bright, fresh herbal note and gorgeous green flecks.
- Onion powder: For a subtle aromatic depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- Cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle spicy kick.
- Whole peppercorns: These make for great snowman eyes, mouth, and buttons!
- Thin baby carrot: Perfectly sized nose with that authentic snowman look.
- Rosemary sprigs: The perfect stand-in for snowman arms with their piney, winter vibe.
Variations
I’ve played around with this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe quite a bit, and it’s great because you can tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Feel free to get creative — that’s part of the fun!
- Spice it up: I once added a pinch of smoked paprika and a dash of cayenne for a subtle smoky warmth that my family enjoyed.
- Herb variations: Swap parsley for chopped chives or dill for a fresh twist that changes the flavor profile.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute cream cheese and butter with dairy-free alternatives to accommodate lactose intolerance or vegan diets (though the presentation might be a bit different).
- Nutty twist: I love rolling the cheeseballs in finely chopped nuts for texture, just keep them well-ground or chopped super fine for easy scooping.
How to Make Snowman Cheeseball Recipe
Step 1: Grate the Cheddar and Prep the Mix
Start by grating your sharp white cheddar using the fine holes of a box grater, or if you have a food processor with a grating attachment, use that to save time. This ensures the cheese mixes evenly into the creamy base and also makes the outer coating nice and fluffy later. Trust me, it makes a huge difference!
Step 2: Combine Cream Cheese, Butter, and Flavorings
In a large bowl, beat softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth. This step is easier with an electric mixer, but you can also get the job done with a sturdy spatula and some muscle power. Then fold in half of your grated cheddar, minced garlic, fresh parsley, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until everything’s fully combined — the mixture should be creamy and packed with flavor at this point.
Step 3: Shape Your Snowman
This part is fun! Lightly grease your hands with a little olive or avocado oil to prevent sticking. Then divide the cheese mixture into two portions — about two-thirds for the bottom “body” and one-third for the top “head.” Roll each portion gently into smooth balls. Wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and chilling them for about 2 hours helps the flavors meld and makes them easier to coat.
Step 4: Assemble and Decorate Your Snowman
Once chilled, unwrap the cheeseballs and roll each in the remaining grated cheese — this gives your snowman a nice snowy look! Place the larger ball on a serving plate, then secure the smaller ball on top using two toothpicks inserted halfway into the big ball. Now for the adorable details: use whole peppercorns to create the eyes, mouth, and buttons. Cut the tip off a thin baby carrot and use it as the nose, pushing it gently into the head. Finally, strip most of the rosemary leaves off their stems and press the sprigs into the sides for arms. If you have extra cheese, spread it around the base for a “snowy” effect.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Before serving, I always let the cheeseball sit out at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes, which makes scooping much easier and enhances the creamy texture. Trust me, your guests will be impressed by this cute, tasty centerpiece.
Pro Tips for Making Snowman Cheeseball Recipe
- Softened Ingredients: Make sure your cream cheese and butter are softened at room temp to avoid lumps — it really makes mixing easier and smoother.
- Chilling Time is Key: Refrigerating the balls tightly wrapped helps them hold their shape better and enhances flavor melding.
- Use Light Oil for Rolling: Greasing hands lightly with olive or avocado oil prevents stickiness without adding unwanted flavor.
- Toothpick Security: Insert toothpicks halfway down into the bottom ball, so the top ball stays put while serving — avoids any toppling disasters!
How to Serve Snowman Cheeseball Recipe
Garnishes
I love using whole peppercorns for the eyes, mouth, and buttons because they’re perfectly sized and add just a little crunch. The carrot nose is a classic favorite — it gives that authentic snowman charm. Rosemary sprigs as arms not only look great but add a subtle pine aroma that feels so seasonal.
Side Dishes
This cheeseball pairs wonderfully with crunchy raw veggies like celery sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips. You can also offer an assortment of crackers or even low-carb veggies if you’re keeping it keto-friendly. Your guests will love dipping and spreading!
Creative Ways to Present
I’ve had the most fun presenting this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe on a wooden platter surrounded by festive greenery or cranberries for holiday parties. For kids’ parties, I’ve also used tiny edible candy eyes for a playful twist. You can even build a mini cheese “snow family” by making smaller cheeseballs for extra cuteness!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover snowman cheeseball? No problem! Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and letting it come to room temperature before serving helps bring back the creamy texture.
Freezing
I’ve found freezing cheeseballs can slightly change the texture, making them a bit crumbly when thawed. If you’d like to freeze this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for best protection, then thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
Reheating
This cheeseball is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you want softer cheese for easier spreading, just take it out of the fridge 15-30 minutes before serving and let it gently warm up.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cheese for the Snowman Cheeseball Recipe?
Absolutely! While sharp white cheddar gives a fantastic flavor and texture, you can experiment with gouda, smoked cheddar, or even a blend of cheeses. Just be sure the cheese is firm enough to grate and mix well.
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How far in advance can I prepare the Snowman Cheeseball?
You can assemble your snowman up to 24 hours before your event. Just keep it tightly wrapped and refrigerated until ready to serve. Bringing it to room temperature before serving ensures the best taste and texture.
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Is this Snowman Cheeseball recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it perfect for a keto diet. Just serve it with keto-friendly crackers or fresh veggie sticks.
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What’s the best way to prevent the cheeseballs from sticking to my hands?
I’ve had the best results lightly greasing my hands with a little olive or avocado oil before rolling the cheeseballs. This stops the mixture from sticking and helps you get nice, smooth balls.
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe turns out every time. It’s charming, tasty, and always brings a smile to everyone’s face the moment it hits the table. I discovered this recipe through a holiday potluck, and it’s since become a staple for my family during winter celebrations. You’ll find it’s not just about the looks — the combination of sharp cheddar and creamy cheese with fresh herbs is downright addictive. So go ahead and give this festive cheeseball a try — it’s one of those recipes you’ll be proud to serve and even happier to share. Trust me, your friends will be begging you for the recipe!
Print
Snowman Cheeseball Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
This Easy Snowman Cheeseball is a delightful, festive appetizer perfect for winter celebrations. Combining sharp white cheddar, cream cheese, garlic, and fresh herbs, this cheeseball is shaped into an adorable snowman adorned with peppercorn eyes, a carrot nose, and rosemary arms. It’s simple to prepare, makes a charming centerpiece, and is deliciously creamy and savory, ideal for keto and low-carb gatherings.
Ingredients
Cheeseball Base
- 8 ounces Cabot Seriously Sharp White Cheddar (divided)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- ¼ cup butter (softened)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ¾ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp cracked black pepper
Decoration
- 10 whole peppercorns
- 1 thin baby carrot
- 2 rosemary sprigs
Instructions
- Grate the Cheddar: Grate 8 ounces of white cheddar using the small holes of a box grater or a food processor fitted with a grating blade to prepare half for mixing and half for coating.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, beat together the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Then beat in half of the grated cheddar, minced garlic, chopped parsley, onion powder, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Form the Snowman Balls: Divide the mixture into two portions, approximately two-thirds for the body and one-third for the head. Lightly grease your hands with olive or avocado oil and roll each portion into smooth balls. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to firm up.
- Coat and Assemble: After chilling, unwrap the balls and roll them in the remaining grated cheddar to coat the exterior. Place the larger ball on a serving platter, then insert two toothpicks halfway into its top to secure the smaller ball on top, forming the snowman shape.
- Decorate the Snowman: Use whole peppercorns to create the eyes, mouth, and body buttons. Cut the tip off the thin baby carrot to serve as the snowman’s nose, and press rosemary sprigs into the sides for arms. Spread any leftover grated cheese around the base as snow.
- Serve: Let the cheeseball come to room temperature before serving to ensure it’s easy to scoop and enjoy.
Notes
- This snowman cheeseball makes an adorable, keto-friendly appetizer perfect for holiday parties and winter gatherings.
- Using softened cream cheese and butter helps achieve a creamy, smooth texture.
- Let the cheeseball rest at room temperature before serving to make scooping easier.
- Feel free to customize the herb and spice blend to your taste preferences.
- The peppercorns and rosemary sprigs create charming facial features and arms, adding festive appeal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 177 kcal
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 14.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 8.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.6 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 5.8 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
