Festive Holiday Cheese Clusters (Printable Version)

Colorful cheese ball clusters with savory coatings and rosemary sprigs, perfect for holiday entertaining.

# What You'll Need:

→ Cheese Ball Mixture

01 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
03 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Ornament Coatings (choose 3–4 for variety)

08 - 1/3 cup finely chopped pistachios
09 - 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
10 - 1/3 cup poppy seeds
11 - 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley
12 - 1/3 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
13 - 1/3 cup finely chopped walnuts

→ Decoration

14 - 12 small fresh rosemary sprigs

→ Serving

15 - Assorted crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a medium mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend thoroughly until smooth and uniform.
02 - Divide the cheese mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth, firm ball.
03 - Place each chosen coating in separate shallow bowls. Roll 3 or 4 cheese balls in each coating until fully coated to create visually distinct clusters.
04 - Group the coated cheese balls into clusters of 3 or 4 on a serving platter, shaping them tightly to resemble hanging ornaments.
05 - Insert a small rosemary sprig into the top of each cluster to serve as a decorative and functional hook.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. Offer with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.

# Tips for Success:

01 -
  • They look impossibly fancy but take just 25 minutes—no cooking required, just rolling and rolling until your hands smell like fresh herbs and possibility
  • Everyone gravitates toward them first because they're visually stunning; it's like serving jewelry made of cheese
  • You can make them in advance and assemble just before guests arrive, which means you're actually relaxed during your own party
  • Naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, so fewer worried conversations with guests about dietary needs
02 -
  • Softened cream cheese is non-negotiable—if you start with cold cream cheese, your mixture will be lumpy and frustrating no matter how much you mix
  • Finely chopped coatings make the difference between something that looks homemade and something that looks intentional; larger pieces roll off easily
  • You can absolutely make the cheese mixture and coatings separately a day ahead, then roll and assemble just before serving for maximum visual impact
03 -
  • Roll your finished cheese balls in coatings while they're still slightly cold—they hold the coating better and don't become greasy-looking
  • Save any extra cheese mixture and form it into simple balls to eat plain with crackers; nothing goes to waste, and it's honestly delicious
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