Save A whimsical and festive appetizer featuring three creamy cheese balls shaped and decorated as cheerful snowmen—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has always been a hit at our holiday parties, bringing smiles and delight to guests of all ages.
Ingredients
- Cheese Mixture: 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese softened, 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup (30 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 2 green onions finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, Salt to taste
- Decorations: 12–15 whole black peppercorns (for eyes/buttons), 3 small carrot sticks (for noses), 1/2 red bell pepper sliced into strips (for scarves), 3 thin pretzel sticks (for arms), Fresh parsley or dill sprigs (optional for hats/scarves), Crackers and fresh vegetables for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix until smooth and fully incorporated.
- Step 2:
- Divide the mixture into three portions one large (for the base), one medium (for the middle), and one small (for the head) for each snowman. Roll each portion into smooth balls.
- Step 3:
- On a serving platter, stack the cheese balls in snowman shapes (largest at the bottom, smallest on top).
- Step 4:
- Decorate each snowman use peppercorns for eyes and buttons, carrot sticks for noses, bell pepper strips for scarves, and pretzel sticks for arms. Add parsley or dill for extra flair if desired.
- Step 5:
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up before serving.
- Step 6:
- Serve with crackers and fresh vegetables.
Save My family looks forward to making and decorating these snowman cheese balls every holiday season as a fun tradition.
Required Tools
Large mixing bowl, Rubber spatula or spoon, Serving platter, Small knife
Nutritional Information
Approximate per serving 180 calories, 14 g total fat, 2 g carbohydrates, 9 g protein (cheese ball only)
Allergen Information
Contains milk/dairy from cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. May contain gluten if served with regular crackers. Contains wheat in pretzel arms; omit or substitute for gluten-free option if needed.
Save Enjoy this cheerful appetizer that brings both taste and holiday spirit to your table.
Recipe FAQ
- → What cheeses are used for the snowman balls?
The cheese balls are made from a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
- → How should the cheese balls be shaped?
Shape the cheese mixture into three smooth balls per snowman — large, medium, and small — then stack them to form the snowman shape.
- → What decorations create the snowman features?
Peppercorns serve as eyes and buttons, carrot sticks as noses, bell pepper strips as scarves, and pretzel sticks as arms.
- → Can this appetizer accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, it is vegetarian and can be gluten-free if served with appropriate crackers or fresh vegetables.
- → How long should the cheese balls chill before serving?
Chill the assembled cheese balls for at least 1 hour to firm up and enhance flavors before serving.