Peppermint Cheese Ball Recipe
If you’re looking for a holiday dessert to impress your guests, look no further than the Peppermint Cheese Ball Recipe. This delightful treat combines the creamy cheese texture with the refreshing zing of peppermint. Whether hosting a festive gathering or planning a party, this recipe is bound to be a showstopper.
Want more delicious starter ideas? These Cheese Ball Recipes are a must! There are so many DIY cheese balls to make in so little time!
While the Peppermint Cheese Ball is perfect for holiday gatherings, you can adapt this recipe for different occasions. For instance, adding a hint of orange zest creates a refreshing variation suitable for summer parties.
Experimentation with other flavorings, such as maple or vanilla, can also lead to new combinations that keep your dessert presentations exciting throughout the year.
Check out this giant list of Appetizers and Recipes for Your Next Party!
Peppermint Cheese Ball Recipe
The creamy cheese’s contrast with the crunchy texture of candy canes creates a delightful eating experience. Perfect for holiday gatherings, these cheese balls are not only visually appealing with their vibrant red and white colors but also invite conversation and curiosity among guests, making them a perfect centerpiece for your dessert table.
What is a Dessert Cheese Ball?
A dessert cheese ball is a sweet twist on the traditional savory cheese ball. It typically consists of cream cheese mixed with various sweet ingredients, shaped into a ball, and coated with something crunchy or colorful.
Unlike its savory counterpart, which often features herbs, spices, and nuts, a dessert cheese ball leans heavily on sweet flavors and is perfect for pairing with cookies, crackers, or fruit.
Popular Dessert Cheese Ball Variations
While the Peppermint Cheese Ball is a festive favorite, plenty of other variations are available. Some popular choices include chocolate chip cheese balls, peanut butter, and funfetti cheese balls. Each offers a unique flavor profile and can be adapted to suit any occasion.
Why Choose a Dessert Cheese Ball?
Dessert cheese balls are incredibly versatile and easy to make. They require minimal ingredients and can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent option for busy hosts. Plus, they add a touch of creativity and flair to any dessert table, ensuring your dish stands out from the crowd.
The Perfect Pairings
When serving a dessert cheese ball, think about complementary flavors and textures. Graham crackers, ginger snaps, and vanilla wafers are all excellent choices. For a healthier option, consider apple slices or strawberries, which add a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy cheese ball.
Specialty Ingredients:
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Reminder, not all ingredients in the Peppermint Dessert Cheese Ball Recipe are linked above, just the ones that may be a bit difficult to find or that you might be unsure of what to look for.
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Must Have Resources:
When making a Minty Cheese Ball at home, you really need to have the following Amazon affiliate tools on hand.
Make it a Meal:
My meal planner is your secret weapon against dinnertime dread. It’s been my lifesaver, so I’ve stopped stressing out what to make! As you can see from the below example, keeping it simple is key!
Main Dish: Roasted Cauliflower Steaks Recipe
Vegetable Side: Roasted Spring Vegetables Recipe
Starch Side: Loaded Mashed Potatoes Recipe
Refreshing Drink: Copycat Starbucks Pink Drink Recipe
Best Appetizer Recipes:
Once you make this easy Mint Cheese Ball Recipe, you’ll want to look for new recipes and ideas for a stunning pre-dinner snack table.
Here are a few of my favorites!
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If you’re a chicken fan, try these Honey BBQ Chicken Wings! Check out my top recipe for Avocado Chipotle Wings!
Tips to Make the Perfect Cheese Ball
Creating the perfect Peppermint Cheese Ball is easier than you might think, but a few tips and tricks can help ensure success.
Use Quality Ingredients
The key to a delicious cheese ball is using high-quality ingredients. Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest texture and the best flavor. Fresh peppermint extract and finely crushed peppermints will also significantly improve the final product.
Softening the Cream Cheese
Many other recipes tell you to let your cheese get to room temperature before making your cheese ball. But I think it works much better if you make your cheese ball with fresh cream cheese from the fridge – and use a hand mixer to make it smooth and soft. This will allow your cheese ball to hold its shape much better than softened cheese.
Shaping and Coating the Cheese Ball
When shaping your cheese ball, use two pieces of plastic wrap to help maintain its form and prevent sticking. Once your cheese ball is shaped and unwrapped, roll it in the crushed peppermints immediately to ensure they adhere well. Chill your cheese ball for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the ball to firm up.
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More Peppermint Recipes:
- Peppermint Stuffed Red Velvet Cookies Recipe
- Puppy Chow Chocolate Peppermint Recipe
- Addictive Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes Recipe
Peppermint Cheese Ball
A unique blend of creamy and minty flavors, combined with the crunch of the coating, makes Peppermint Cheese Ball a memorable treat.
Ingredients
- 2 8oz cream cheese blocks
- 1 tsp Peppermint Extract
- 1/2 cup Crushed Peppermints for Interior
- 2 cups Crushed Peppermints for Exterior
- 1 cup Powdered Sugar
Instructions
- With a hand mixer, soften the cream cheese.
- Add powdered sugar, extract, and interior portion of crushed peppermints, then mix well.
- Using two pieces of plastic wrap layered in a clean bowl, place the mixture into the plastic wrap, then gently shape the mixture into a ball shape.
- Gently unwrap the ball and place it on a plate or serving platter, then cover the exposed exterior of the cheese ball in the crushed peppermints for the exterior.
- Serve immediately or chill, if desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 355Total Fat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 38mgSodium: 137mgCarbohydrates: 58gFiber: 0gSugar: 40gProtein: 2g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 8/30/2024
Ready to give it a try? Grab your ingredients, and let’s make a cheese ball!