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Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe – Easy Party Hit

Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball - featured image

A festive and whimsical centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, this creamy, cheesy turkey-shaped appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 cup finely crushed pecans
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped parsley
  • Candy eyes
  • Red bell pepper (for the wattle)
  • Thin pretzel sticks (for feathers)
  • Crackers or sliced veggies for serving

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and green onions. Mix until smooth and well combined.
  2. Shape the cheese mixture into a ball using your hands or a spatula.
  3. Wrap the cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
  4. Prepare the coating by crushing the pecans finely using a food processor or a rolling pin and mixing them with the chopped parsley. Spread the mixture onto a flat plate.
  5. Remove the chilled cheese ball from the fridge and roll it in the pecan-parsley mixture until fully coated. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
  6. Decorate the cheese ball by sticking thin pretzel sticks into the back to form the turkey’s feathers. Cut a small piece of red bell pepper to create the wattle and attach it to the front of the turkey. Add candy eyes and any other decorations.
  7. Place the completed turkey cheese ball on a platter and surround it with crackers, sliced veggies, or pretzels for dipping. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

[‘Make sure cream cheese is softened for easier mixing.’, ‘Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour to firm up.’, ‘Decorate the cheese ball just before serving for the best presentation.’, ‘You can prepare the cheese ball up to 2 days in advance.’, ‘For a nut-free option, use crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for the coating.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Thanksgiving, Cheese Ball, Appetizer, Party Food, Holiday Recipe, Festive, Easy Recipe