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Best Easy Crowd-Pleasing Turkey-Shaped Cheese Ball Recipe

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A fun and festive turkey-shaped cheese ball made with cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and pretzel feathers. Perfect for fall gatherings and holiday parties, this easy appetizer is creamy, savory, and sure to steal the show.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 to 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 20 to 24 pretzel sticks
  • 2 candy eyes
  • 1 small piece red bell pepper (for beak)
  • Crackers or sliced baguette (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Soften the cream cheese: Remove cream cheese from refrigerator 30 to 45 minutes before starting. It should be soft enough to press a finger into easily. Alternatively, microwave in 10-second bursts until soft but not melted.
  2. Mix the base: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, sliced green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Beat with a hand mixer on medium speed until well combined and smooth. Scrape down sides of bowl halfway through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  3. Chill the mixture: Scoop cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap. Shape into a rough ball, wrap tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. For a quicker chill, freeze for 30 minutes.
  4. Shape the turkey body: Once firm, unwrap the cheese mixture and place on a serving platter. Using your hands, shape into a rounded oval or dome shape for the turkey’s body. If too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes.
  5. Insert the pretzel feathers: Starting at the back of the cheese ball, gently push pretzel sticks into the cheese at a 45-degree angle, fanning them out like turkey tail feathers. Work in rows from back to front, using about 15 to 18 pretzels. Leave the front section empty for the face.
  6. Add the face: Press two candy eyes into the front of the cheese ball. Cut a small triangle from red bell pepper and press it in below the eyes for the beak. Optionally, add a small piece of red pepper under the beak for a wattle.
  7. Serve immediately or refrigerate: If serving right away, surround with crackers. If making ahead, cover loosely with plastic wrap (without disturbing pretzels) and refrigerate. Add pretzels just before serving for maximum crunch.

Notes

For best results, use full-fat cream cheese and shred your own cheddar. The cheese ball can be made up to 2 days ahead; add pretzels and face just before serving. If a pretzel breaks, eat the broken piece and use another. Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving for best flavor and spreadability.

Nutrition

Keywords: turkey cheese ball, Thanksgiving appetizer, cheese ball recipe, easy appetizer, holiday appetizer, crowd-pleasing, pretzel feathers

Find it online: https://dinadinnertable.com/best-easy-crowd-pleasing-turkey-shaped-cheese-ball-recipe/