Snowman Cheese Ball

Name: Snowman Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 75 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 1 tub cream cheese spread; 1 pkg. shredded cheddar cheese; ¼ cup fresh chives; ¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted, chopped; ¼ tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp. peppercorns; 1 baby carrot; RITZ Crackers

Christmas is the best holiday for fun, themed food and this snowman appetizer understands the assignment! Peppercorns and a carrot make this snowman complete.

Prep time:

0 min

Total time:

0 h 0 min

Servings:

Makes 16 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each.

Ingredient list

1 tub (8 oz.) cream cheese spread
1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
¼ cup finely chopped fresh chives
¼ cup slivered almonds, toasted, chopped
¼ tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp. peppercorns
1 baby carrot
RITZ Crackers

Directions

Mix first 5 ingredients until blended. Refrigerate 1 hour.

Divide cheese mixture into 3 different-size balls (1 small, 1 medium and 1 large). Coat with Parmesan. Arrange in line on serving plate to resemble a snowman lying down. (Largest ball should be at bottom of plate for the snowman's base, and the smallest ball should be at the top for the snowman's head.)

Decorate with all remaining ingredients except crackers to resemble photo. Serve with the crackers.

Recipe Tips

Variation Prepare using reduced-fat cream cheese spread and shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
VariationsPrepare cheese mixture as directed, then shape as follows: Yule Log: Omit Parmesan. Divide cheese mixture in half. Roll each half into log. Roll in chopped cashews and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to resemble yule logs. Decorated Christmas Tree: Omit Parmesan. Drop cheese mixture by tablespoonfuls into triangular shape on small platter; smooth top with spatula to resemble Christmas tree shape. Add a few pretzel sticks for the tree trunk and chopped red, green and yellow peppers for the ornaments. Truffles: Shape cheese mixture into 1/2-inch balls. Roll in Parmesan cheese, or in ground pecans, dry bread crumbs or chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Wreath: Omit Parmesan. Drop cheese mixture by spoonfuls around drinking glass on serving plate; smooth top with spatula. Remove glass. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and red peppers to resemble a Christmas wreath.