Holiday Ornament Clusters (Print)

Colorful cheese ball clusters with herb hooks bring festive flair to any gathering.

# Components:

→ Cheese Ball Mixture

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Ornament Coatings

08 - 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios
09 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
10 - 1/3 cup poppy seeds
11 - 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
12 - 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
13 - 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

→ Decoration

14 - 12 small rosemary sprigs

→ Serving

15 - Assorted crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# Directions:

01 - In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
02 - Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
03 - Place each ornament coating in separate shallow bowls and roll 3 to 4 cheese balls in each coating for variety.
04 - Group cheese balls in clusters of 3 to 4 on a platter, shaping them to resemble hanging ornaments.
05 - Insert one rosemary sprig into the top of each cluster for a decorative hook.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. Offer with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They look so impressive that guests think you spent hours in the kitchen, when really it takes just 25 minutes from start to finish
  • The flavor combinations are endlessly customizable—you can use whatever nuts, herbs, or dried fruits you have on hand, making each version feel special
  • They're naturally gluten-free (with GF crackers), vegetarian, and dairy-based enough to satisfy serious cheese lovers while still feeling light and elegant
02 -
  • The cream cheese absolutely must be softened before you start—cold cream cheese will make lumpy, frustrating mixture that refuses to roll smoothly. Take 20 minutes and let it sit at room temperature; it's worth the wait
  • The coatings need to be chopped fine. Chunky coatings look rustic and fall off. Finely chopped coatings cling like they belong there and look restaurant-quality
  • If your cheese balls are cracking when you roll them or won't hold together, the mixture needs more binding. Add another tablespoon of cream cheese and mix again. It's a quick fix
03 -
  • If your cheese balls are sliding around when you try to coat them, refrigerate them for 15 minutes first. Cold cheese balls are firmer and won't roll around in the coating
  • The rosemary sprigs are edible, so don't worry about them being decorative only. Guests often nibble them, and they're delicious with the salty, creamy cheese
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