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–+ servings
zesty turkey chees ball on serving platter with crackers

Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe For Thanksgiving

Kitchen Ready Betty
This fun and easy 4-ingredient turkey cheese ball is the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer to make with the kids. It pairs beautifully with crackers and fresh veggies, ensuring it will be the star of your holiday table!
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Rest Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Course Appetizer, Holidays
Cuisine American
Servings 16
Calories 107 kcal

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Ingredients
  

Cheese Ball Base Ingredients:

  • 12 oz reduced fat cream cheese 1 & ½ bricks, Philadelphia brand
  • ½ cup reduced fat sour cream Daisy's or Breakstone's
  • 2-3 tablespoon dry ranch seasoning mix choose your level of zestiness
  • 1 & ½ cup reduced fat Colby Jack shredded cheese blend Kraft's 2% recommended

Decorative Add-ons: (This is what you see in the picture. Feel free to change it up!)

  • pretzel sticks or pretzel thins feathers
  • Snyder's Pretzel Rounds belly decor
  • 2 candy eyes
  • 1 slice pepperoni cut into wedge for the beak

Instructions
 

How to Make Zesty Turkey Cheese Ball:

  • Allow cream cheese to soften on counter prior to starting for easier mixing (or microwave for 30 seconds in bowl).
  • Place the softened cream cheese and sour cream in large mixing bowl. Set the hand mixer to medium speed and blend until contents are fully incorporated, usually 1-2 minutes.
  • Add desired amount (2-3T.) of ranch mix to bowl and blend on low speed until smooth.
  • Add the shredded cheese to the bowl. Mix on medium speed until well blended, usually 1-2 minutes.

Cheese Ball Encasing Instructions:

  • Place two pieces of plastic wrap on your counter. Place a small portion of the mixture on one piece and the remaining mixture (should be much larger) on the other piece.
  • Do steps 6-9 for BOTH cheese balls: Fold the plastic wrap in toward the center, with the goal of getting the corners to meet in the middle.
  • Twist the plastic wrap so that the cheese ball is entriely encased in the center.
  • Using your hands, form a ball out of the mixture. Continue to mold until you have a decent looking sphere.
  • Refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though 24 is recommended for optimal shaping.

Assembly:

  • Unwrap the cheese balls: Place the larger one on a little plate first; then stack the smaller one on top.
    Feathers: Put several pretzel sticks or thin pretzels in the back of the large cheese ball. Point them upwards to resemble feathers.
    Belly: Gently push pretzel rounds around the entire belly.
    Face: Add the candy eyes and pepperoni wedge (beak) to the small cheese ball.

Leftovers?

  • Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-5 days. Do not freeze.

Notes

Turkey Cheese Ball is delicious when enjoyed with anything that pairs well with ranch and cream cheese!
This cheese ball is open to your customization. Have fun with it and feel free to be creative with your design!

Nutrition

Calories: 107kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 5gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.002gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 84mgSugar: 1gVitamin A: 264IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 126mgIron: 0.1mg
Keyword appetizer, cheese ball, dip, entertaining, fun, kids, ranch, ranch cheese ball, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving appetizer, Thanksgiving cheese ball, turkey, turkey cheese ball
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!