When it comes to holiday gatherings, nothing beats the joy of serving up easy Christmas party food that everyone loves! Trust me, I’ve hosted my fair share of festive get-togethers, and this simple cream cheese and cheddar cheese appetizer has become a staple. It’s not only a crowd-pleaser, but it also takes minimal effort to prepare. I remember the first time I made this; it was such a hit that my friends kept asking for more. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy holiday times when you just want to enjoy the company without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 1 package (8 oz) of cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of diced green onions
- 1/4 cup of diced red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 package of your favorite crackers, for serving
How to Prepare Instructions
Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). Even though we won’t be doing any actual baking, it’s always good to have it warmed up for future baking adventures!
Mix the Ingredients
Now, grab a mixing bowl and toss in your softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, diced green onions, diced red bell pepper, and garlic powder. I like to use a hand mixer for this—it’s super easy and ensures everything gets mixed evenly. If you don’t have one, a sturdy spoon or spatula will do the trick. Just make sure everything is really well combined; you want those flavors to meld together beautifully!
Shape and Chill
Once your mixture is all mixed up, it’s time to shape it! You can form it into a ball or log, depending on how fancy you’re feeling. Once shaped, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This is crucial because it helps the flavors develop and keeps everything nice and fresh. Pop it in the fridge for about 1 hour. Trust me; this step makes a huge difference!
Serve with Crackers
After chilling, remove it from the fridge and unwrap your delicious cheese ball. Serve it on a platter with a generous pile of your favorite crackers. For an extra colorful twist, consider adding some fresh veggies on the side. It not only looks beautiful but also gives your guests a healthy option to munch on!
Tips for Success
To make this easy Christmas party food even more delightful, consider adding a few extras! You can swap out the cheddar for a creamier cheese like gouda or add some finely chopped herbs like dill or parsley for a fresh twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper can really kick up the flavor! And don’t worry if you don’t have crackers on hand; fresh veggies like cucumbers or bell pepper strips work beautifully too. Just get creative with what you have, and you can’t go wrong!
FAQ Section
Can I make this cheese ball ahead of time?
Absolutely! This appetizer can be made a day in advance. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually get better as it sits!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare because it’s so tasty!), just wrap it back up in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3–4 days.
Can I use different cheeses?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cream cheese is a must for the base, but you can mix in anything from pepper jack for a kick to a nice blue cheese for a bold flavor. Just keep the ratios in mind!
What can I serve instead of crackers?
If you’re looking for alternatives to crackers, fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper slices are fantastic options. You could even serve it with pita chips or bread slices for a bit of variety!
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes! Just make sure to use gluten-free crackers or serve with fresh veggies to keep it gluten-free. It’s a great option for all your guests!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for this easy Christmas party food. Each serving contains approximately 150 calories, 12g of fat, 5g of protein, and 5g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so your results may vary a bit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare, leaving you more time to enjoy the festivities!
- Delicious flavors that everyone will rave about.
- No cooking required—perfect for stress-free entertaining.
- Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
- A true crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into any holiday spread.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your cheese ball fresh and delicious, wrap any leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container. It’ll last in the fridge for about 3–4 days. If you find yourself with a little extra time, you can even freeze it! Just make sure to wrap it well to prevent freezer burn, and it should keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. No reheating needed—this appetizer is best served chilled!
Serving Suggestions
This easy Christmas party food pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes and drinks. I love serving it alongside a nice selection of charcuterie—think cured meats, olives, and nuts. For drinks, a bubbly sparkling wine or a festive holiday punch brings everything together beautifully. Don’t forget to add some colorful fresh veggies for a festive touch!
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easy christmas party food: 5 Stress-Free Delights to Enjoy
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Simple and delicious appetizers for your Christmas party.
Ingredients
- 1 package of cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced green onions
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 package of crackers
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, and garlic powder.
- Shape the mixture into a ball or log.
- Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Remove from the fridge and serve with crackers.
Notes
- Can be made a day in advance.
- Serve with fresh vegetables for variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy christmas party food, appetizers, holiday snacks
