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Turkey Cheese Ball appetizer decorated like a turkey with pretzel feathers, cheddar, and crackers β€” festive Thanksgiving centerpiece.

πŸ¦ƒ Turkey Cheese Ball Recipe – The Ultimate Thanksgiving Appetizer Everyone Will Love


  • Author: Janet
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cheese ball (serves 8-10) 1x

Description

Make this adorable and creamy Turkey Cheese Ball β€” the perfect Thanksgiving appetizer! Quick, festive, and full of flavor.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Β½ tsp garlic powder
  • Β½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ΒΌ tsp black pepper
  • Β½ cup cooked bacon, finely chopped (optional)
  • Β½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating)
  • Pretzel sticks (for feathers)
  • Red & orange bell peppers (for wattle & beak)
  • Candy eyes or olive slices (for eyes)
  • Crackers, baguette slices, or veggie sticks for serving

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
  2. Form the mixture into a ball, wrap it in plastic, and refrigerate for 1 hour or until firm.
  3. Unwrap and roll the cheese ball in chopped pecans or bacon bits for coating.
  4. Decorate the cheese ball: insert pretzel sticks into the back for feathers, use bell pepper pieces for the beak and wattle, and add candy eyes.
  5. Place on a platter with crackers, pretzels, or sliced veggies and serve.

Notes

Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture. Chill well before decorating to help the cheese ball hold its shape.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/10 cheese ball
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: thanksgiving, appetizer, cheese ball, turkey cheese ball, holiday recipe