Santa's Hat Cranberry Cheese Ball Recipe | Julie Blanner (2024)

Make it festive this holiday season with a delicious Cranberry Cheese Ball shaped like Santa’s hat!

This is the cutest way to bring a holiday appetizer to any gathering this season. It’s not only charming, it’s delicious and so much fun to make!

I’ve always enjoyed creating food that looks as good as it tastes when entertaining. It’s the little things that can make occasions memorable! Whether you’re bringing a single appetizer or curating the entire menu, make it count!

Santa’s hat cranberry cheese ball does just that! It’s acreative Christmas ideathat will have everyone talking.

It’s true, I love cheeseballs in every shape, flavor and style. Who can argue with ALL.THE.CHEESE? I’ve got your ultimate cheese ball guide right here – it’s a round up of everything you need to know to make a killer cheeseball appetizer!

There’s a Christmas cheese ball for everyone!Reindeer Bacon Cheddar Cheeseball,Pesto Cheeseball Wreath,Ornament Pomegranate Christmas Cheese BallandFunfetti Dessert Snowman Cheese Ball.

It’s fun to make, easy, delicious and most importantly, festive!‘Tis the season to be jolly and no one is jollier than the man in red! The best bonus of all is that cheese balls can be made ahead of time, too.

Why You’ll Love this Cranberry Cheese Ball

• So cute for a party
• Easy to make
• Great with a variety of crackers and dippers
• Make ahead!
• It’s naturally low carb – serve with veggies for a low carb appetizer!

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Cream Cheese – The base of all cheese balls, this gives it substance, yet maintains a creamy texture. You can learnHow to Soften Cream Cheesehere.
• White Cheddar – Sharp cheddar adds a lot of flavor to this appetizer. When possible, freshly shred from a block for the creamiest results.
• Worcestershire Sauce – a hint of Worcestershire adds so much flavor to this easy appetizer.
• Garlic – You can use fresh garlic cloves, but I often opt for bottledminced garlic available at the grocery store It’s one of my favorite shortcuts! In a pinch, substitute a teaspoon of garlic powder.
• Dried Cranberries – Any kind will work!

How to Make this Cranberry Cheese Ball

For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

1. Combine –In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar and Worcestershire sauce.
2. Roll – mixture into a ball, press more on one side to create a hat. Set upright on a platter and continue to mold it into shape.
3. Coat with dried cranberry by rolling on top of parchment covered with cranberries or pressing them into the cheese ball one by one.
4. Top the Hat – roll cream cheese into a ball in the palm of your hand and insert a toothpick into the ball, then insert it into the top of the hat.
5. Cover with a piece of plastic wrap until ready to serve.
6. Serve with crackers, nut thins, pita chips, pretzels and or veggies.

Tips

• Cheese balls are a great make ahead appetizer. Store refrigerated up to a week wrapped in plastic wrap to maintain freshness.
• Be sure to cover your cranberry cheese ball tightly. This not only helps it keep its shape when you refrigerate, but it prevents air from getting inside and drying it out before serving.
• Fresh shredded cheese is always best! Pre-shredded bagged cheese is covered in substance meant to keep it from sticking – which also keeps it from a creamy finish in your recipes.
• This is delicious at room temperature but it can certainly be served cold right out of the fridge. It’s delicious either way, which is why it’s such a perfect make-ahead party food!

Curious about freezing your cream cheese recipes? Read more in Can you Freeze Cream Cheese to learn all about what works and what doesn’t!

Frequently Asked Questions

What to do with Leftovers

• Use the leftover cheese ball melted into your favorite pasta dishes.
• Add tosandwichesorwraps.
• Add to egg dishes likequiche.
• Top a salad with this leftover cheese ball.

Dietary Considerations

• Gluten Free
• Nut Free
• Vegetarian

How to Store

• At Room Temperature– You can leave this hedgehog cheese ball out for up to two hours while serving.
• Refrigerate– Make this cheese ball up to one day in advance and store tightly wrapped (prior to adding toppings). Store for up to one week in the refrigerator.