Name: Snowman Cheeseball Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: PT-491065H9M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 4 cups gouda cheese, shredded; ½ cup chives, chopped; ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese, finely shredded; 9 whole cloves (for eyes and mouth); 4 raisins (for buttons); 2 pretzel sticks (for arms); 1 baby carrot (for nose)

If you’re looking for a festive, fun, and absolutely delicious appetizer to wow your guests, look no further than this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe. I first made this for a holiday party, and trust me, it was the centerpiece everyone kept talking about. It’s not just adorable—this cheeseball is creamy, flavorful, and easy to make. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to whip up this charming snowman everyone will love!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor Combo: The mix of creamy cream cheese, smoky Gouda, and tangy sundried tomatoes makes every bite irresistible.
Visual Wow Factor: Your guests will love the playful snowman shape complete with pretzel arms and carrot nose.
Easy to Make: Using a food processor speeds things up and makes mixing a breeze — no sticky mess or tiring hand stirring.
Perfect Party Starter: Makes about 32 servings, so it’s great for holiday gatherings large and small.

The dish shows a two-layer snowman made of shredded cheese balls. The bottom layer is a bigger round ball covered in light yellow shredded cheese, decorated with three dark raisins as buttons down the center front. The top layer is a smaller cheese ball on top, with two dark cloves for eyes, a small orange carrot piece for the nose, and a smile made from several cloves. On each side of the middle layer, there is a pretzel stick placed as arms. Around the snowman, there are fresh orange baby carrots, light green celery sticks, and round whole-grain crackers. The whole setup is on a white plate placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Snowman Cheeseball, festive cheeseball appetizer, holiday cheese ball recipe, cute Christmas cheese ball, easy party snack

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in keeping this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe both delightful and easy. I always recommend fresh chives for that gentle onion kick and good-quality Gouda for its creamy melt and smoky depth.

Flat lay of a small block of soft cream cheese, a small pile of shredded gouda cheese, a handful of chopped fresh chives, a small white bowl with chopped oil-packed sun dried tomatoes, a small white bowl of garlic powder, a mound of finely shredded mozzarella cheese, nine whole whole cloves, four plump raisins, two salty whole pretzel sticks, and a single fresh baby carrot halved lengthwise—all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls and plates placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Snowman Cheeseball, festive cheeseball appetizer, holiday cheese ball recipe, cute Christmas cheese ball, easy party snack

Cream cheese: Let it soften at room temperature first — it’ll blend so much easier and give you that perfect creamy base.
Gouda cheese: Shredded for quick mixing and that rich, slightly smoky flavor.
Chives: Fresh and chopped add a mild onion note that brightens things up nicely.
Oil-packed sundried tomatoes: These add a punchy tang and sweetness; just make sure to drain and chop them well.
Garlic powder: Subtle but brings everything together with a warm, savory touch.
Mozzarella cheese: Finely shredded for coating the outside; it helps give the snowman’s body that smooth, snow-like look.
Whole cloves: For eyes and mouth — they add a quirky rustic charm.
Raisins: Pressed in for buttons — they add sweetness and texture; whole cloves can work here too if you prefer.
Pretzel sticks: Use for arms — the crunch and salty flavor are a great contrast.
Baby carrot: The classic carrot nose, sliced lengthwise for the perfect shape.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love personalizing this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe depending on the occasion or mood. Feel free to mix in your own favorite herbs or swap out cheeses for different profiles — the snowman is super forgiving and only gets better with a little creativity.

Cheese swap: I’ve swapped Gouda for sharp cheddar when I wanted a tangier flavor, and it still worked beautifully!
Herb additions: Toss in some finely chopped parsley or dill for a fresh herbal twist your guests will notice.
Nutty crunch: Mix in finely chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for texture; it gives the cheeseball a surprising little crunch.
Dairy-free option: Try a vegan cream cheese and a dairy-free shredded gouda substitute—just beware, the texture will shift but it still tastes festive and fun.

How to Make Snowman Cheeseball Recipe

Step 1: Cream Together Your Cheeses

Start by throwing the softened cream cheese and shredded Gouda into your food processor. I love this trick — the processor makes it silky smooth and mixes everything evenly without a ton of elbow grease. Run it until the mixture is creamy but still has a slight texture from the Gouda. If you don’t have a food processor, no worries—just use a sturdy wooden spoon to blend it well.

Step 2: Add the Flavorful Mix-ins

Once your cheeses are blended nicely, move the mixture into a bowl and stir in the chopped chives, sundried tomatoes, and garlic powder. This is where the magic happens—the fresh herbs and tangy tomatoes brighten and deepen the flavor. Make sure everything is evenly combined.

Step 3: Shape Your Snowman

Now for the fun part: shaping! Form one large ball for the body and a smaller one for the head. Coat both balls thoroughly with the finely shredded mozzarella, pressing it gently so it sticks all over like fresh snow. Then, wrap them in plastic wrap and pop them into the fridge to firm up for at least two hours—this step is crucial for keeping your snowman together when you assemble.

Step 4: Assemble and Decorate

After chilling, stack the smaller head ball on top of the large one, securing them with a toothpick or small dowel right in the center. For the nose, slice a baby carrot lengthwise and then again — this creates the perfect wedge to press into the head. Use whole cloves for the eyes and mouth, and press raisins sideways for snowy buttons (or cloves if you prefer). Finally, add pretzel stick arms — they bring great crunch and whimsy!

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Pro Tips for Making Snowman Cheeseball Recipe

Softened Cream Cheese Is Key: Taking it out of the fridge early makes mixing Smooth and avoids lumps.
Don’t Skip Chilling Time: Refrigerating for a couple of hours helps the cheeseball firm up, so it holds its shape beautifully.
Use a Toothpick for Stability: Securing the head to the body with a toothpick keeps your snowman standing tall and quirky.
Wrapping With Mozzarella: Press the cheese on firmly but gently to avoid gaps and create that “snowy” look.

How to Serve Snowman Cheeseball Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep garnishes simple but festive. Extra chives sprinkled around the platter add a fresh color pop, and sometimes I toss in some baby spinach leaves or kale for a wintry “forest floor” effect. The pretzel arms and carrot nose always steal the show, though — they’re the perfect edible accessories for the snowman.

Side Dishes

This cheeseball pairs wonderfully with sturdy crackers like multigrain or water crackers to scoop up all that cheesy goodness. I also love offering fresh veggies like celery sticks, bell pepper strips, and cucumber slices for a lighter, crunchy contrast. At holiday parties, it’s always a hit alongside spiced nuts and charcuterie.

Creative Ways to Present

For a whimsical touch, place your assembled snowman on a bed of shredded coconut or crumbled pita chips to mimic snow or ice. I’ve even used a round wooden cutting board and surrounded the snowman with festive cranberries and rosemary sprigs—instant holiday charm. If you want to kick it up a notch at a kid’s party, try making mini cheeseball snowmen on toothpicks for easy individual servings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your party, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the fridge. I recommend using an airtight container or placing the cheeseball in a sealed bowl to keep it fresh. It should stay good for about 3 to 4 days, but honestly, mine rarely lasts that long!

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftovers a couple of times by wrapping the cheeseball securely in plastic wrap and then in foil. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture is mostly preserved, though it might be slightly less creamy. It’s still great for a quick snack or unexpected guests.

Reheating

This cheeseball is best served cold, so reheating isn’t really necessary. If you prefer it a tad softer, just let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving — this revives the creaminess beautifully.

FAQs

Can I make the Snowman Cheeseball Recipe without a food processor?

Absolutely! While a food processor makes mixing easier and faster, you can mix the softened cream cheese and shredded Gouda together with a wooden spoon or a sturdy spatula. Just be patient to get it well combined — it might take a bit more elbow grease but the taste will be just as delicious.
How long can I prepare the cheeseball ahead of time?

You can assemble and refrigerate the snowman cheeseball up to 24 hours ahead. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully, and the chill time helps it hold shape perfectly when serving.
What do I serve with the Snowman Cheeseball?

Sturdy crackers and fresh vegetables like celery, cucumber, and bell pepper strips are my go-to for serving. They offer a nice crunch and carry the creamy cheese mix well without falling apart.
Can I customize the cheeseball to suit dietary preferences?

For sure! You can swap Gouda for other cheeses, try adding different herbs, or use vegan cheese alternatives if needed. The shape and decorations make it festive no matter the mix-ins.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Snowman Cheeseball Recipe brings a playful, tasty twist to any gathering. Whether it’s a holiday party, family get-together, or just an excuse for a crunchy, cheesy snack, this recipe delivers. When I first tried it, I couldn’t believe how simple it was to make something so cute and crowd-pleasing! Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the smiles it brings as much as the flavors.