Holiday Cheese Balls that can be turned into multiple appetizers! Easy, yummy, and so versatile!
We were driving somewhere, the husband and I…
Suddenly he started belting out his favorite Christmas song… I mean, at the top of his lungs! Startling me to death! Well, almost…
No more lives torn apart…
That wars would never start…
And time would heal all hearts…
And everyone would have a friend…
And right would always win…
And love would never end…no…
This is my grown up Christmas list…
And then when he finished, he turned to me and said, “Your turn!”
Once again, I almost died of shock! He said it so loud, so close to my ear! The man obviously had no self-control!
So I belted out my Christmas song of the day…
Hang on the mistletoe…
I’m gonna get to know you better…
This Christmas…
He made a face.
“Okay, okay, you’re very deep, okay?!” I said. “You pick the right Christmas song.”
Me? I’m not deep. I don’t pick the right Christmas song. Because you know, that song ends with…
And this Christmas will be…
Very special Christmas FOR ME…
Yes, it’s all about ME with ME!
It’s a problem! I know!
I need to change… And soooo…, goat!
Yes, goat!
It’s Christmas and I’m trying to be nice. I’m thinking… not for myself but for a world in need…
My family and I are making a donation to Heifer International this Christmas. We are donating a goat to a family in need somewhere in the world.
Why goat? This video can explain why. And actually, you don’t have to stay with just goats. Just watch:
Speaking from a personal experience, I can tell you that the power of giving often has a profound effect on the GIVER. And for that, we are grateful to be able to participate.
In honor of that family, I’m making an appetizer with goat cheese as an ingredient. And while my family and I are enjoying it tonight, I will try to think of those who are less fortunate and keep them in my thoughts.
*****
So, this is a very simple appetizer, but you must make it! Yes, you MUST! It is absolutely the best! Totally my favorite thing of ALL things!
You start by mixing 2 parts cream cheese + 1 part shredded white cheddar cheese + 1 part goat cheese. And make a lot of it!
This is the Mother Lode, y’all!
Trust me, you’ll be happy you make so much because all of that is going to be the beginning of many, many things. Many, many wonderful things.
For starters, you can vary the add-ons, based on your preference. You can add herbs, spices, nuts, dried fruits, etc. Anything you like! And as much or as little as you like!
And then you can shape it however you want!
For instance, I made this snowman, to send to the husband’s office annual potluck they like to call “Feastorama”. ‘Coz, you know, those engineers need to get a sense of humor!
Just look at him! Doesn’t he make you smile? But wait, he needs his hat!
There, now he’s ready to play!
And I also made this Christmas tree, to send to the daughter’s Pollyanna party. ‘Coz, you know, those girls just love out-of-the-ordinary things.
And if you’re like me, you’ve probably made a double batch of the Mother Lode, because secretly you wanted to make these:
And a bunch of other things, which I will carry in another post ‘coz now I wanna tuck into these jalapeños first!
*****
Here are some how-to photos to go with the recipe:
You can either roll your cheese onto the parsley leaves or place the leaves in a pattern. Mine seemed to want to arrange themselves into a spiral.
- 2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz. sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 8 oz. plain goat cheese, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup nuts (pecan, almond, or pine nuts), toasted and chopped
- 1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
- salt & pepper
- Extra shredded white cheddar
- Whole black peppercorns
- A small piece of carrot
- 2 (thyme or rosemary) sprigs
- Parsley leaves
- Pine nuts
- A slice of star fruit
- In a bowl, mix all the cheeses with a fork. (You can use a mixer, but a fork works fine as long as the cheeses have been softened.)
- Sauté onion in olive oil, over medium heat, until completely soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Let onion and garlic cool slightly before adding to the cheese mixture.
- Add the rest of the ingredients and mix to blend.
- Add salt & pepper to taste.
- Divide cheese mixture into two equal parts. Use one part to make the Snowman, and the other the Christmas tree.
- Form cheese into 2 balls, one slightly larger than the other. Use plastic wrap to aid in forming the balls. Place the balls in the refrigerator for about half an hour to firm them up.
- Roll the balls into shredded white cheddar cheese to cover the entire surface. Stack the smaller ball on top of the bigger one, securing with toothpicks (see how-to photos above).
- Use the herb sprigs for the arms, carrot for the nose, and black peppercorns for the eyes, mouth, and buttons.
- Form the cheese into a cone.
- Place in the refrigerator to firm up.
- Roll into parsley leaves or arrange leaves in a pattern, pressing leaves slightly into the cheese.
- Stick clusters of nuts in between the leaves.
- Decorate top with a slice of star fruit.
I’m bringing my Holiday Cheese Balls to Fiesta Friday #100! I just hope my co-hosts, Judi@cookingwithauntjuju, Mollie@The Frugal Hausfrau, Steffi@ Ginger & Bread, and Suzanne@apuginthekitchen, like them.
Pin This!
Happy Hols, Angie. Loving both of them. As I’m so into parsley it would be the tree I’d demolish, first. 🙂
Yes!! I’ve been adding parsley to everything! I bought two big bunches even though the backyard parsley is still hanging on. But the snowman is so cute! Happy Holidays to you, too! Why aren’t you at the party? Do I need to do some arm twisting? 😀
Oh my just precious Angie. So glad you’ve been kicking back and posting some of your amazing creations! Just love Mr. Snowman 🙂
Mr Snowman is everybody’s favorite. Isn’t he cute? And people always laugh when they see him. That’s why I made him, I love making people laugh 😀
Ok Angie where did you get that little hat? It’s just too cute. You are so talented love both so much
It’s from my kids’ old toy chest, hehe… Not sure what it’s a part of. Thanks, Suzanne. So glad you like them. They taste GOODl 😀
OMG this is just amazing Angie!! I am going to imply that sometime soon!
Thanks, darlin. You’re so sweet! XOXO
What a fun holiday treat. And beautifully executed as always. You make it look so easy.
But they ARE easy! Super easy! That’s the kind of recipes I like most, anyway. Easy and fool-proof. And this one is! Thanks, Hilda! 🙂
Angie – your snowmen are adorable – I was going to ask about the hat too! What a great idea and fun activity for the kids and adults of course. You had me stopped in my tracks with the jalapenos stuffed with your cheese mixture and wrapped in bacon. Glad you’re sharing with Fiesta Friday #100 – we all will appreciate your post. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas…
The jalapeños were the best, except a few were really hot! Even after I removed the seeds and membranes. The mild ones were so delicious! Definitely a keeper. Thanks again for co-hosting FF100! I’m so glad I was able to share a little something. Let’s have a smashing New Year! 🙂
So festive and fun Angie! Bet it was hard for the first person to dig in and start destroying your tasty work of art! Hope you had a merry Christmas!
Thanks, Johanne! The husband reported that his colleagues just looked and looked at the snowman before the head honcho guy finally started carving into his tummy. But he still came home with the face intact! I guess it was hard to slice into the face. Engineers! Don’t they know they should first pull off the face? Then you won’t feel so bad! LOL!
You are too funny! Next year write out instructions for those engineers!!!
Oh wow! What a lovely creation, Angie! That little snowman is so cute and even cuter with the hat. 😀 Your tree is amazing, too!
Thanks, Jhuls! And they’re also very tasty, that’s what’s important, right? 🙂
Yes, indeed! 😉 x
I admit being a bit opposed to some cutsey things because sometimes they are all about being cute and not about tasting good – but this! This is cute and darling and fun (and did make me smile) and sounds delish!
The poppers, though. Oh, my! Happy Holidays, and I love how you’re keeping the true spirit of Christmas!! May your goodwill be returned to you tenfold!!
Oh, no, I’m not making anything cute if it doesn’t taste good! What’s the point of that, right? I’ve made many pretty things that don’t make it to the blog ‘coz that’s what they are, just a pretty face but nothing inside, haha… They have to be pretty AND most importantly, super tasty! Thanks for co-hosting, Mollie. Much obliged to you! Have a smashing New Year! XOXO
They look absolutely amazing! And I absolutely agree with you – Christmas should be about sharing, not just with those who have a lot already. I like the way Muslims are encouraged to think of the poor and to empathise with their suffering during Ramadan: your gift of a goat springs from that same generosity of spirit! Thank you for all your hard work and for sharing your enthusiasm and talent with us, Angie!
Aaw…you’re so nice! I try to be kind and generous whenever possible but I need a constant reminder, sadly. Thanks so much for co-hosting FF100. It’s a lot to ask this time of year! XOXO
It isn’t – it’s an honour and a pleasure! You should see my to-do list for next year … just looking at the posts makes me wonder what I’ve been doing all my life 😉
Same here. So many good things to try, so little time…
These are so adorable, Angie! Your pictures are so pretty. I just love looking at them. Definintely saving these ideas for next year. Great idea about the goat, too. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
Thanks, Shari! Will be you at the party? FF100, would you believe?! You’re one of the winners of FF 1st anniversary, remember? I hope you’ll come. It’ll be a lot more fun if you do! 🙂
Omg these are amazing Angie!
Thanks, Margy! They’re easy to make! 🙂
You really are so creative Angie!! And you must have so much patience!!! These look so lovely, and I love the goat connection xx I hope your Christmas has been lovely, and Happy Fiesta Friday superstar xx
Thanks, darlin! But they’re easy and pretty quick to make, really. Not much patience needed, honestly. Lol, I know you’ll get the goat connection. Wasn’t it you who kept typing “goat”? A goat makes everything better! Christmas was very nice, I hope it was the same for you. Happy FF to you, too! XOXO
Oh, can you co-host in January?
Ha ha ha! Your memory is far too long!!!! Yes, for some reason when I tried to type ‘gift’ in that comment so long ago, it came out as ‘goat’!!!! There can be never be enough goats…cheese ???
We had a lovely Christmas thank you – I’m trying now so come up with a post that can possibly match those already posted in FF#100, I don’t have any special Christmas dishes or baking to share!!
And yes, that’s fine, let me know when xx
You do what you do, Elaine, and everything will be fine. No need to match anybody else’s. We love anything you bring! Is January 15 good?
That’s fine xx
Ok, thanks!
Oh my gosh, these cheeseballs look so darn good! Along with the tree, two of the cutest and most clever food ideas I’ve seen all year, and you executed to the nines! Those bacon wrapped goodies are pretty enticing too.
Hey, Sue!! Great to have you back! I see you on Instagram several times, but then I hardly go there, so it’s been far too long! I’m so glad you made it to the 100th fiesta, wouldn’t be much of a party without you!! Thanks for the sweet words. These cheese balls were pretty addicting. I found myself looking for more as soon as we were out, so I made more last night, which made me so happy. Now I’m doubly happy b/c you’re here! Have a Happy Holiday! Kiss, kiss!
Hey Angie. Thanks for the warm welcome. It’s pretty amazing to consider that it’s been 2 years already. Fiesta Friday was what really got me connected to other bloggers and I’ll always be grateful you invited me. I’ve met so many delightful cooks and bakers and crafters it’s just been wonderful. It’s good to be back. Instagram is my preferred media because it’s fast and visual, but I go overboard then get fatigued. Looking forward to this extended party and I plan to multiple-post, just like those folks who I wanted to strangle when I co-hosted!!! kiss kiss to you too!
You are really creative Angie, I really liked this snowman, so cute.
Thanks, Sadhna! You are so nice! 🙂
The tree and snowman are adorable and make my mouth water. I haven’t stopped by in so long. I hope all is going well with you and family. Hope you had a great holiday season. Wishing you the best in 2016. Hugs, Robin
Hey, Robin! How is it going? It’s been so long. I’m happy to find you well. I’m doing fine myself, just busy. Especially this time of year, but who isn’t? 😀 Thanks for the compliment! Sending you all the best wishes for a smashing New Year! XOXO
Haha these are amazing! I have to try making some that look like Olaf from Frozen, my nice would probably love me forever then 🙂 Thank you for the idea!
Oh, that’s a great idea! You’ll be the coolest aunt in the world! : -)
Angie!! You’ve blown me away with just how creative and adorable these are!! I love it and I think it’s perfect for the holidays (or any day, for that matter!) Well done 🙂
Thanks, Justine! It’s so perfect I’ve been having it daily since Christmas, lol! So good to have when watching TV, with a few pieces of fruit. And wine as well. 🙂 Aren’t you coming to FF100?
I’m always a fan of cheese balls, well, cheese in any form really. But making them into little snowmen is way too cute. I love it! Have a Happy New Year, Angie!
Thanks, Natalie! Happy New Year to you, too! Love & Hugs!
You are SO amazingly creative, Angie!! Hats off to your adorable creations! I am absolutely going to try this next year!! 😀
Thanks! I might even try it again next year 😀 Btw, Twinkle 2.0 sent right after Christmas. Hopefully you’ll get her soon! XOXO
Love your Holiday Cheese Balls Angie, so clever & they look so cute, I bet those Jalepenos are delicious. The gift of a goat reminds us all how fortunate we are, such a good cause.
Thank you so much, Sarah! The jalapeños were the best, except for the ones that were really hot. We’re thankful we were able to give. It also helps that my husband’s company matches 100% what we gave. It’s a win win situation! 🙂
how creative and yummy
Thank you so much! Not sure if it would be considered real cooking, however, or any cooking, period, ha! No cooking whatsoever involved! 😀
Looks so nice! 🙂
These look so enticing and cute! Happy new year to you ♥
summerdaisy.net
Thanks, Summer! Happy New Year!
These are so adorable Angie! You come up with the coolest stuff! Happy Anniversary & Happy New Year!