Christmas Cheese Ball (2 Ways!) for the Table

Christmas Cheese Ball brings holiday cheer! Shape it as Rudolph or a Christmas tree, reliable with crackers and cold cuts.

author’s note

One Ingredient, Zero Stress, All The Compliments!

December always feels like a sprint, so I’m constantly looking for ways to keep things fun without adding more chaos to the kitchen. A few years ago, I was trying to throw together something quick for a holiday get-together, opened the fridge, and spotted a pack of Boursin. I rolled it into little cheeseballs on a whim, added festive toppings, and they were an instant hit.

If you haven’t had Boursin before, it’s this soft, creamy cheese loaded with herbs that makes anything feel a little fancier with zero effort. My family loves the garlic and herb flavor the most, so that’s what I reach for when I make these. It’s the easiest holiday appetizer I’ve ever pulled off, and honestly, that’s probably why I keep coming back to it every December.

Two Christmas Cheese Ball Options

1. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: Form Boursin cheese into a ball, roll in crushed pecans, and add black olive slices for eyes with a cherry tomato half for the nose. Use pretzel twists as antlers.
2. Christmas Tree: Form Boursin cheese into a triangle, coat with chopped parsley for a green look, and add pomegranate seeds and almond slices as ornaments. Top with a bell pepper star.

What To Serve Alongside Your Christmas Cheese Ball

• Crackers: Serve with breadsticks, buttery crackers, or pita chips.
• Bread: Try toasted baguette slices or mini crostini.
• Veggies: Carrots, celery, bell peppers, olives, and cherry tomatoes make great dippers.
• Meats: Add sliced meats like prosciutto, salami, or ham for a filling option.
• Fruit: Grapes, apple slices, or pears add a sweet touch.
• Dips: Pair with hummus, guacamole, or spinach dip for extra flavor.

Tips For Success

• Shaping: Wrap the ball in plastic wrap, shape it, and chill to make decorating straightforward.
• Decorate Creatively: Have fun with different designs—there are no strict rules! Share any fun ideas in the comments.
• Make Extra: Cheese balls are always a hit, so make extra. You can freeze half for a quick snack later.
• Toast Pecans: Toasting pecans adds flavor and crunch.

Quick Tip

To toast pecans, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (180°C) for 5-10 minutes or until fragrant and lightly browned, or heat a dry skillet over a medium burner and cook the pecans, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned.

More Festive Christmas Dishes:

Pork

straightforward Ham Pot Pie

Vegetables

Creamed Peas

Dinner

Winter Salad

Potatoes

Au Gratin Potatoes Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Cheese (see note 1)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate arils
• 1 yellow pepper
• 1 (5.2-ounce) package Boursin Cheese
• 1/4 cup pecans (see note 2 for toasting instructions)
• 2 large pretzel twists
• 2 black olives
• 1 small cherry tomato

Method

1. Lay out a large sheet of plastic wrap. Take the Boursin cheese, unwrap from packaging, and place it on the plastic wrap.
2. Use a sharp paring knife to cut a star shape out of the yellow pepper and press it into the top of the cheese pine tree. Serve the cheese pine tree with crackers and cold cuts of meat, if desired.
3. Toast pecans if desired (for more flavor—see note 2!) Let pecans fully cool, then add to a small food processor and pulse until you have fine crumbs (don’t over-pulse or you’ll get pecan butter!) Pour the crumbs into a shallow bowl and keep nearby until ready to use.
4. Just before serving, unwrap the ball shape and roll it in the finely chopped pecans, gently pressing the nuts into the ball. Press 2 pretzels on top to resemble antlers. Cut 2 olives in half and press into ball to resemble eyes. Cut a cherry tomato in half and press into the ball to resemble the red nose. Serve with crackers and cold cuts of meat as desired.