28 ozpackages cream cheesesoftened to room temperature
¼cupsour cream
1packet ranch dressing mix
½teaspoongarlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
2cupssharp cheddar cheesegrated
1cupchopped pecans
Instructions
Place the cream cheese and sour cream in the bowl of a stand mixer. Cream together until mixed together well.
Add ranch dressing mix powder and spices. Mix again.
Add the grated cheddar cheese and mix until well incorporated.
Lay a generous piece of saran wrap on the counter and spoon the cheese ball mixture into the center of it, piling it into a pile in the center.
Gather up the edges of the plastic wrap to the middle, and using your hands, smooth the mixture into a ball.
Place the plastic wrap covered cheeseball in the freezer to chill for 30 minutes.
Pour the chopped pecans onto a single layer on a baking sheet or cutting board. Roll the chilled cheese ball in the pecans until it is completely covered.
Transfer the cheese ball onto a plate and cover with plastic wrap. Chill for at least 1 hour more in the refrigerator before serving.
To turn a plain cheese ball into Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, add pretzel antlers, olive eyes (olives cut in half), and a cherry tomato (cut in half) nose right before serving.
Serve with an assortment of crackers.
Notes
A cheese ball properly covered and stored in the refrigerator can last up to 2 weeks.