Turkey Cheese Ball

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It’s that wonderful time of year again – Thanksgiving! And while the star of the show might be the turkey on your dining table, we have a delightful appetizer that’s equally charming and delicious – the Turkey Cheese Ball.

This creative and mouthwatering cheese ball is not only quick and easy to make but also a guaranteed hit at any Thanksgiving gathering. 

We’re all looking for quick, easy and yummy appetizers for that big day! Well look no further, what is more perfect to serve than a cheese ball that looks like the star of the day Mr. Turkey!

This cheese ball is so darn cute and it also tastes delicious and is about the easiest thing to make so it’s a home run in my book!

The fact that it looks like a Turkey just makes it the perfect thing to make for your Friendsgiving or Thanksgiving with your family. This little cutie will delight everyone young or old.

A Versatile Crowd-Pleaser

But here’s the secret – you don’t have to reserve this recipe just for Thanksgiving.

I’ve been making this cheese ball for over 30 years, and it’s a hit at office parties, weekend get-togethers, Sunday Fundays, and even cozy Friday nights with the family.

The only difference? Swap the almonds for chopped pecans or walnuts – an equally delicious twist.

A Time-Tested Recipe

My wonderful sister-in-law Barb gave me this recipe over 30 years ago and I’ve been making it for numerous occasions ever since.

She taught me to keep crackers at your side so after you mix this with together with your hands you don’t want to waste all that yummy cheese goodness on your hands so what’s a girl to do but take a cracker and have a little snack!

Creating the Turkey Cheeseball

Now, let’s talk turkey – or rather, creating a turkey out of cheese! Decorating this little bird is a breeze and takes just a few minutes. Here’s how to do it:

Ingredients:

• 1 8 oz Cream Cheese, Softened
• 1 8 oz Cheddar Cheese Spread (a little over half of a 12 oz container), Softened (I use Merkts Sharp Cheddar)
• 2 TB Dried Minced Onion
• 1/2 TB Worcestershire Sauce

Turkey Feathers

• 3 TB Sliced Almonds About 1/2 the bag
• 4 Stalks Celery cut in half lengthwise
• 6-8 Baby Carrots or regular carrots cut a bit smaller than celery
• 10 Pretzel Sticks
• 1 Small Pc Red Pepper cut in small strip to look like turkey wattle
• 1 Cherry Tomato for Turkey Head
• 2 Cloves for the eyes

Instructions:

Mix the Cheese Ball

• Place the softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese spread on a sheet of parchment or waxed paper.
• Add the dried minced onions and a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
• Mix everything thoroughly and shape it into a ball.

Creating the Feathers

• To make your turkey’s feathers, start at the middle of the bottom of the cheese ball.
• Push the sliced almonds around the base to resemble feathers.
• Continue going around and up in a tile fashion until you’re almost at the top.

Adding the Face

• For the turkey’s face, insert cloves into the cherry tomato to create eyes.
• Place the cherry tomato on a toothpick and stick it into the top front of the cheese ball.
• Take a small strip of red pepper and attach it under the head as the turkey’s wattle.

Assembling the Tail

• Begin at the back of the cheese ball and insert the celery stalks as the tallest feathers.
• Follow with the carrots, cut slightly smaller than the celery.
• Finally, add the pretzel sticks to create a graduated height, resembling the large tail feathers of your turkey.

Presentation

Surround your delightful turkey cheese ball with crackers, and you’re done! You now have the most adorable and delicious Thanksgiving appetizer that your guests will be gobbling up in no time. Enjoy! 

Conclusion

Thanksgiving can be quite the feast, but this Turkey Cheese Ball is all you need to keep your hungry crowd satisfied until the fabulous main course emerges from the oven.

Pair it with some Cranberry Orange Mimosas, Cranberry Mules, or Apple Cider Sangria for a delightful day with your loved ones. Happy Holidays, and gobble up the fun!