Thanksgiving Themed Cheese Ball
This Thanksgiving Themed Cheese Ball shaped like a festive turkey is a twist to the classic appetizer to set the tone for your holiday gathering. Made with a spicy cheese spread that brings a subtle heat along with a burst of flavor to your party foods.
Creating appetizer recipes that will be not only tasty but fun for any celebration is what this Thanksgiving Cheeseball is all about. The creative shape is easy to make with crunchy pretzel feathers, a cheesy beak, and googly candy eyes. It is the perfect pre-dinner snack, but it’s also a delightful way to bring some holiday cheer and creativity to your table.
I was looking for a whimsical and entertaining way to serve a classic shaped dip and this Thanksgiving Themed Cheese Ball in the form of a turkey with a zesty dip is exactly what I was wanting to serve my guests while dinner is cooking. It’s a unique way to get everyone excited for the big meal while adding a touch of fun to your appetizer table.
Serve the mixture with your favorite crackers or cut-up fresh vegetables and other delicious snacks like Air Fryer Sausage Balls and Everything Bagel Mini Pigs in a Blanket. Add these Mini Pumpkin Cheese Balls to your tray with the themed dip. They’re a cute addition!
Thanksgiving Themed Cheese Ball
If you have not made a cheeseball before, it’s easy and once you do you’ll be making them for many occasions. For this flavored packed spread, I combined cream cheese with pepper jack cheese, spices, chopped nuts, and dried cranberries. It is a simple process to make the bird shape using pretzels of various sizes, a triangle of cheddar, and some edible eyes. The playful presentation is perfect to serve for your fall gatherings. Kids will love the fun design, and adults will appreciate the creativity. Everyone will love the tasty hors d’oeuvre.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
- This recipe needs has a chill time of at least two hours, so prepare accordingly. It can be made a couple of days in advance.
- While shredding the pepper jack is best, you can use pre-shredded to save time.
- Skip the cayenne if that’s too much heat, or, use a sharp white cheddar in place of the pepper jack and keep the spice.
- If you want to get even further ahead, form and freeze it. Simply thaw it in the fridge the night before your event and decorate it when you’re ready.
- For a smoky twist, add crumbled bacon and extra sharp cheddar to the mix. The bacon brings a salty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy spread.
- For a spicy, tangy variation, add hot sauce and shredded chicken to the mixture for a Buffalo wing-inspired appetizer. Top it with a sprinkle of blue crumbles and serve with celery sticks.
- For those with dietary restrictions, you can make a vegan version by using dairy-free cream cheese spread and shredded plant-based alternatives. Mix in your favorite vegan-friendly herbs and spices, and you’re all set.
By using these timesaving tips and experimenting with exciting flavor variations, your creative appetizer will impress your guests.
More Holiday Recipe Ideas
Here are some other dishes to serve for your seasonal parties or any occasion that you are wanting to celebrate.
- Cheesy Mashed Potato Puffs
- Cranberry Glazed Meatballs
- Family Favorite Pumpkin Pie
- Sweet Gherkin Deviled Eggs
- 2 Ingredient White Chocolate Strawberry Pumpkins
I love to serve fresh cut up veggies with a dip when we made any appetizers, including the cheeseball. This Turkey Veggie Tray is fun and festive!
💡Explore my favorite Kitchen Essentials (Amazon affiliate link)
Tools to Make a Turkey Cheese Ball
The tools for this recipe can be found in most kitchens as this is a simple process. I’ve linked to a few recommended items.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my disclosure policy.
- mixing bowl
- fork or spoon
- knife
- cutting board
- disposable food grade gloves (I recommend using gloves when handling the mixture since there is cayenne pepper and that could irritate your skin)
- serving plate
- cheese spreader knives
Using the above tools will make this recipe a straightforward process. You don’t need a hand mixer, either.
Ingredients
The ingredients for this delightful recipe are easily found in the grocery store. The candy eyes can be found in the baking aisle or at any craft store.
- cream cheese, softened
- pepper jack cheese, shredded
- pecans, finely chopped
- dried cranberries, finely chopped
- garlic powder
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
- pretzel rod, broken in half
- cheddar triangle
- candy eyes
- Regular-sized pretzel twists
- mini pretzel twists
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and work it with a fork to soften it more. Add the seasonings, pepper jack, and half the pecans and dried cranberries. Mix well, until completely combined.
Using gloves, mold the mixture into a ball for the body, reserving about a tablespoon or two, and set it on a plate. Mold the remaining tablespoon of mixture into a smaller one. Insert the half pretzel rod into the front middle of the body.
Next, to make the “head”, press the smaller one around the top of the pretzel stick. Add the cheddar triangle for the beak, and place the candy eyes to make the face.
Towards the back of the cheeseball, insert a larger pretzel twist into the center, then two others on each side. From the center pretzel, add two mini pretzel twists in front, towards each side, and then the other two next to those.
Mix the remaining chopped pecans and dried cranberries in a bowl, and use a gloved hand to stick them all around the sphere.
Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until ready to serve. Serve with veggies, crackers, or pretzels.
The combination of bold flavors, smooth texture, and cute design makes it an ideal way to kick off your seasonal celebration.
Printable Recipe Card
Thanksgiving Themed Cheese Ball
Equipment
- fork or spoon
- knife
- serving plate
Ingredients
- 2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup pecans, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pretzel rod, broken in half
- 1 cheddar cheese triangle (about ¼ – ½ inch size
- 2 candy eyes
- 3 regular sized pretzel twists
- 4 mini pretzel twists
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cream cheese and work it with a fork to soften it more. Add the seasonings, pepper jack, and half the pecans and dried cranberries. Mix well, until completely combined.
- Using gloves, mold the mixture into a ball for the body, reserving about a tablespoon or two, and set it on a plate. Mold the remaining tablespoon of mixture into a smaller one. Insert the half pretzel rod into the front middle of the body.
- Next, to make the “head”, press the smaller one around the top of the pretzel stick. Add the cheddar triangle for the beak, and place the candy eyes to make the face.
- Towards the back of the cheeseball, insert a larger pretzel twist into the center, then two others on each side. From the center pretzel, add two mini pretzel twists in front, towards each side, and then the other two next to those.
- Mix the remaining chopped pecans and dried cranberries in a bowl, and use a gloved hand to stick them all around the sphere.
- Refrigerate for 2 hours, or until ready to serve. Serve with veggies, crackers, or pretzels.
Notes
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Connect with Blogghetti
Be Sure To Follow Me On My Social Media, So You Never Miss A Post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #Blogghetti on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured!
Enjoy!
