Zesty Turkey Cheese Ball
This 4 ingredient, delicious Zesty Turkey Cheese Ball is easy to make and easy to devour! It pairs so well with crackers and veggies and is always the star of the Thanksgiving hors d'oeuvre table. Plus, Zesty Turkey Cheese Ball is easily customizable. The kids will enjoy making it with you!
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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
Zesty Turkey Cheese Ball is delicious when enjoyed with anything that pairs well with ranch and cream cheese!
I always use Philadelphia brand reduced fat cream cheese for this recipe, but it's okay if you prefer to use the full fat version.
This cheese ball is open to your customization. Have fun with it and feel free to be creative with your design!
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!