Ingredients:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, full-fat, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 2 tbsp green onions, finely minced
  • 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
  • 2 large twist pretzels
  • 2 whole black olives
  • 1 maraschino cherry, patted dry

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese until light, airy, and free of lumps. Ensure you are using full-fat cream cheese for structural integrity.
  2. Add the freshly grated sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
  3. Gently fold in the minced green onions using a spatula to avoid bruising the greens.
  4. Transfer the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to gather the cheese into a tight, uniform sphere. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to firm up, employing the double chill method to ensure it holds its shape.
  5. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and discard the plastic wrap. Roll the ball in the chopped pecans until the surface is completely covered in 'fur'.
  6. Assemble the reindeer face: Insert the two twist pretzels into the top for antlers, press the two black olives into the front for eyes, and place the maraschino cherry in the center for the nose.
  7. Serve immediately with crackers or refrigerate until party time.