Ingredients

Instructions

Step 1

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped parsley, chopped green onion, herbes de Provence, dried garlic, black pepper, and salt.

Mix all the ingredients until well blended and smooth.

Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions of the mixture and shape them into small balls using your hands.

Step 2

Shape the Snack

In a separate bowl, finely chop the walnuts. The finer the chop, the better they will adhere to the balls.

Roll each cheese ball in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are coated on all sides.

Place each walnut-coated ball on a cracker or a slice of baguette.

Step 3

Decorate

Use black peppercorns or olives to create eyes on your cheese reindeer.

For the nose, place a red currant or dried cranberry right in the center of the cheese ball.

Carefully break pretzel cookies in half and insert them into the sides of the cheese ball to form antlers.

Servings

When serving your adorable Rudolph snacks, the presentation is key! Arrange them on a festive platter and garnishthe plate with fresh herbs for a touch of color. Pair these delightful cheese bites with different types of crackers or baguette slices. Consider adding a bowl of sweet chutney or a spicy dip to elevate the taste experience. These snacks are perfect for **holiday gatherings**, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. Your guests will be charmed by their creativity and taste! 🎉🧀

Equipment

Food Processor (optional)

If you want finer walnut pieces, a food processor can save you time and effort.

Cookie Sheet

This is great for laying out your Rudolph snacks before serving.

Variations

If you’re looking for **gluten-free** and **vegan** options, try these adaptations! ⬇️ For a gluten-free version, simply replace regular crackers with gluten-free alternatives or use crisp veggies like cucumber slices as a base. 🌿 For a vegan alternative, opt for a dairy-free cream cheese and a nut-based cheese for that rich flavor. Make sure to use **vegan Worcestershire sauce** for extra depth. Your guests won’t even know the difference! 🌱🧄

Faq

  • What if I don’t have cheddar cheese?

    You can use any hard cheese you love or even a soft cheese for a creamier texture!

  • How do I make it more festive?

    Try adding seasonal herbs or edible flowers around the plate for color!

  • Can I prepare it ahead of time?

    Yes! You can make the cheese balls a day in advance and assemble them just before serving.

  • What can I do with leftover ingredients?

    Mix leftovers into salads or pasta for a delightful meal!

  • How do I get my cheese mixture to stick better?

    Make sure to refrigerate the balls for at least 30 minutes before coating them with walnuts.

  • Can I change the spices?

    Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with spices according to your taste preferences.

Nutrition facts

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Cheese Snack
Recipe Yield:10 servings
Calories:The calorie range per serving is estimated between 170 to 210 calories.
Calories (Min - Max):170 - 210
Total Fat:14g
Saturated Fat:5g
Protein:6g
Total Carbohydrate:9g
Total Sugars:2g