This Hedgehog Cheeseball is a savory bacon cheddar ranch mixture with a festive presentation that makes a great centerpiece on any holiday table. Serve with crackers, veggies, or crostini. Pair this with Baked Brie with Fig Jam for a delicious seasonal spread.
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Cheese balls—like this cranberry cheese ball—are a classic appetizer, especially during the holidays. They are creamy, cheesy, and delicious!
This Hedgehog cheese ball is filled with the crowd-pleasing flavors of bacon, cheddar, and ranch. Its rustic woodland presentation makes it a fun and festive addition to any holiday table.
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Ingredients
Cheeseballs are as easy as combining softened cream cheese with a variety of add-ins.
- cheddar cheese - cheddar is classic in cheeseballs, but Colby, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack are delicious too.
- bacon - adds a salty, meaty bite. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the bacon.
- ranch dressing mix - for ease, use the packet of powdered ranch dressing mix from the supermarket.
- chives - adds color and a hint of onion flavor. Scallions are a great option too!
To turn this bacon cheddar ranch cheeseball into a hedgehog cheeseball, we'll use pecans to create the spines.
Tips for Making
- Start with room-temperature cream cheese. This makes blending the ingredients together so much easier.
- Use plastic wrap to help shape the cheese mixture. Wrap the mixture loosely in plastic wrap and gently form it into an oval shape, with one end more rounded for the body and the other end slightly pointed. This will be the snout for the hedgehog cheeseball.
- Chill the cheeseball before decorating.
- Arrange pecans in rows to create the hedgehog's spines. Almonds can also be used. Add raisins for the eyes and a peppercorn for the nose.
- Wait to decorate until right before serving. The nuts will get soft if the decorated cheeseball is stored in the refrigerator.
Display and Serving
- Display on a board surrounded by fresh herbs. Lay the hedgehog cheeseball on a bed of fresh dill or surround with sprigs of fresh rosemary.
- Serve with assorted crackers, veggies, or crostini.
Alternatives to Making a Hedgehog
If you're not feeling creative, no worries. Simply form the mixture into a ball and chill. When ready to serve, roll the ball in chopped pecans. The cheeseball will be equally festive and delicious!
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! The cheeseball can be made several days in advance. It will keep up to 7 days in the refrigerator. But wait to decorate with the nuts until ready to serve so the nuts don't turn soggy.
When serving as leftovers, remove the nuts that have turned soft. Use the cheese mixture as a filling for grilled cheese sandwiches or spread it on toasted bagels.
More cheeseball recipes you may enjoy
Other cheese-filled appetizer recipes to try
📖 Recipe Card
Hedgehog Cheeseball
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Ingredients
- 16 ounces cream cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and chopped)
- 1 ounce ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- pecans (for decorating)
- raisins and peppercorns (for decorating)
- fresh dill (for garnishing)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese, bacon, ranch dressing mix, and chives. Stir until well combined. (If using a stand mixer, fold the bacon and chives in by hand at the end).
- Transfer the cheese mixture to a piece of plastic wrap. Use the wrap to form the mixture into an oval shape with a slight point on one end. Wrap with the plastic and refrigerate for a minimum of one hour (or as long as overnight).
- Decorate the chilled cheeseball with the pecans to create the hedgehog's spines. Add raisins for eyes and a peppercorn for the nose. Serve immediately. (Note 1)
- Store tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- Wait to decorate with the pecans until just before serving. The nuts will turn soft and soggy if refrigerated in the cheeseball.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary depending on the exact amounts and specific ingredients used.
Natalie Gilliam says
I loved your Hedgehog Cheeseball recipe. Thank you so very much for posting this recipe. We had a beaver themed party for my dad's 79th birthday party. I turned this hedgehog into a beaver by adding a stroopwaffle cut into a teardrop shape to use as the beaver paddle tail. It was a hit and I will save your recipe to use plain for a normal party. Thank you again.
Abbey McDermott says
Natalie,
I'm so happy you enjoyed this recipe. I love the beaver idea! Thank you for sharing the photos - the beaver turned out great. Thank you!
Kathline Piccoli says
Yes please!!
Abbey says
Enjoy!