This Holiday Cheese Ball is a simple, crowd-pleasing appetizer that pairs perfectly with buttery Little Potatoes or crackers. With cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and festive mix-ins like dried cranberries and green onions, it’s easy to prep ahead and shape into a fun holiday centerpiece. Perfect to involve your Littles in arranging the potatoes into a tree shape, and look so good amongst any other Thanksgiving or Christmas snacks or sides!

Note: Cheese balls can be made in advance! Get creative and use any toppings you like to decorate your ‘presents’! The sweetness of dried cranberries pair nicely with the potatoes. If you have extra potatoes, feel free to serve them in a nice bowl.

Kid-Friendly Tips

  • Let kids roll the cheese ball in crushed nuts or herbs (great sensory activity!)

  • Swap dried cranberries for raisins or leave them out if needed

  • Serve with mini skewers or toothpicks for easy dipping and less mess

 

On-the-Go & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Prep the cheese ball a day or two ahead—just keep it chilled until ready to serve

  • Great for potlucks or school holiday parties—wrap tightly and transport in a container

Prep
15 mins
Cook
20 mins
Serves
8
Ingredients
13
Keep screen awake while cooking

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs Little Potatoes, halved
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • (To taste) salt and pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano

Cheese Ball:

  • 3/4 lb cream cheese, room temperature
  • 1/4 lb goat cheese
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1/4 cup pecan halves, puréed in food processor
  • 1 oz fresh spinach, pureed in food processor
  • 2 Tbsp chives, freshly chopped
  • (For decorating) dried cranberries and pecans

Instructions

  • Step 1

    Mix cream cheese, goat cheese, and cheddar cheese together in a large mixing bowl until nicely combined. Stir in pureed pecans, pureed spinach, and chives. Form into 'presents' and decorate with additional toppings to represent wrappings and bows. Chill in refrigerator.

  • Step 2

    Preheat oven to 450 °F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone liner.

  • Step 3

    Toss potatoes, oil, and seasonings together in a large bowl until potatoes are evenly coated. Lay out in a single layer on baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, tossing halfway through. Potatoes will be crispy on the outside, but soft on the inside.

  • Step 4

    Arrange potatoes into two trees. If you have extra, serve them in a bowl. Cut potatoes to represent a star at the top.

  • Step 5

    Place cheese balls under tree. Sprinkle with extra chives, cranberries, and/or pecans if desired!

  • Step 6

    Serve with cheese knives.