Ingredients:

  • 450g full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 225g sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 3 green onions, finely minced
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 55g pecans, finely chopped and toasted
  • 2 large twist pretzels
  • 2 whole black olives
  • 1 maraschino cherry

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the softened cream cheese until velvety and smooth.
  2. Fold in the freshly grated sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and minced green onions until fully combined.
  3. Lay out a large sheet of high-quality plastic wrap. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center and pull up the sides of the wrap to form a tight, spherical ball.
  4. Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 4 hours (240 minutes) to ensure structural integrity and flavor fusion.
  5. Just before serving, remove the plastic wrap and roll the ball in the chopped pecans until the exterior is completely coated.
  6. Gently press two twist pretzels into the top for antlers, use two black olives for eyes, and place a maraschino cherry in the center for the nose.