Holiday Ornament Cluster Cheese Balls (Printable)

Festive cheese clusters rolled in coatings and garnished with rosemary for holiday gatherings.

# What you'll need:

→ Cheese Ball Mixture

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Ornament Coatings (choose 3–4 for variety)

08 - 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios
09 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
10 - 1/3 cup poppy seeds
11 - 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
12 - 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
13 - 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

→ Decoration

14 - 12 small rosemary sprigs

→ Serving

15 - Assorted crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# Method:

01 - Combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and well blended.
02 - Divide the cheese mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
03 - Place each coating ingredient in separate shallow bowls. Roll 3 or 4 cheese balls in each chosen coating to create colorful clusters.
04 - Arrange cheese balls in groups of 3 or 4 on a platter, forming tight, round clusters to resemble hanging ornaments.
05 - Insert a small rosemary sprig into the top of each cluster to serve as a decorative hook.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. Pair with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They look absolutely magical on any holiday platter, like edible Christmas ornaments your guests will actually want to eat
  • The flavor combinations are endless since you can use any coating you have on hand, making it perfect for using up pantry staples
  • Zero cooking required means you can spend your holiday prep time with family instead of hovering over a hot stove
  • They're naturally vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free, so nobody gets left out of the fun
02 -
  • Your cream cheese must be truly softened, not cold, or the mixture will be lumpy and impossible to roll into smooth balls. Leave it on the counter for at least 30 minutes before starting.
  • Don't skip tasting the cheese mixture before coating. This is your one chance to adjust seasonings, and a pinch more salt or a tiny bit more mustard can make the difference between good and unforgettable.
03 -
  • If you want extra flavor depth, fold a tablespoon of finely minced sun-dried tomatoes or a small amount of minced garlic into your cheese mixture. Just remember that garlic powder is safer than fresh garlic, which can make the mixture watery.
  • Keep an ice bath nearby while rolling your balls. If your hands get warm, dipping them in cool water and drying them quickly will help the mixture stay firm and cooperative.
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