Make-Ahead Snowman Cheese Ball Recipe

Name: Make-Ahead Snowman Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened; 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons basil pesto; 1 tablespoon grated onion; 1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard; 2 drops red pepper sauce; 1 (4 ounce) container whipped cream cheese, softened; rosemary (optional); dried cranberries (optional); olives, diced or raisins (optional); pimiento or red bell pepper (optional); radicchio or carrot (optional); asparagus or celery rib (optional); assorted cracker, if desired

Servings: persons

3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 drops red pepper sauce
1 (4 ounce) container whipped cream cheese, softened
rosemary (optional)
dried cranberries (optional)
olives, diced or raisins (optional)
pimiento or red bell pepper (optional)
radicchio or carrot (optional)
asparagus or celery rib (optional)
assorted cracker, if desired

1
Mix 3 pkg cream cheese and the Cheddar cheese; divide into 3 equal parts.
2
Combine 2 parts to equal 2/3 of mixture.
3
Mix in pesto.
4
Mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into remaining 1/3 mixture.
5
Cover each cheese mixture and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape.
6
Shape each cheese mixture into ball.
7
Wrap each ball, label and freeze.
8
May be frozen up to 1 month ahead.
9
About 12 hours before serving, remove balls from freezer.
10
Thaw in wrappers in refrigerator.
11
Arrange balls on serving plate with smaller ball on top for head of snowman.
12
Frost snowman with whipped cream cheese before serving.
13
Decorate as desired.
14
Serve with crackers.
15
Store covered in refrigerator.
16
To decorate, if desired, use your imagination to decorate this whimsical snowman!
17
You can use fresh rosemary and dried cranberries (crown), chopped olive pieces or raisins (eyes and buttons), pimiento or red bell pepper (mouth), radicchio or carrot ribbon (scarf), and asparagus spears or celery sticks (arms).

815

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened, 4 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, 2 tablespoons basil pesto, 1 tablespoon grated onion, and more.

Yes, Make-Ahead Snowman Cheese Ball falls under the Snacks & Appetizers category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Make-Ahead Snowman Cheese Ball

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions