Holiday Ornament Cluster Platter (Printable format)

Festive clusters of creamy cheese balls with colorful coatings and rosemary sprig accents, perfect for holiday entertaining.

# List of ingredients:

→ Cheese Ball Mixture

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

→ Ornament Coatings

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 rosemary sprigs

→ Serving

15 - Assorted crackers or sliced baguette (optional)

# How to make it:

01 - Combine cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, chives, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and fully blended.
02 - Divide the cheese mixture into 12 equal portions and roll each into a smooth ball.
03 - Place each coating ingredient in separate shallow bowls. Roll 3 or 4 cheese balls individually in different coatings to create varied clusters.
04 - Arrange cheese balls in groups of 3 or 4 on a platter, forming tight, round clusters that resemble ornaments.
05 - Insert a small rosemary sprig into the top of each cluster to serve as a decorative hook.
06 - Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready. Accompany with crackers or sliced baguette if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but honestly, 25 minutes and you're done—nobody needs to know how easy they actually are
  • Completely customizable with coatings, so everyone feels like you made something special just for their tastes
  • They're the ultimate make-ahead appetizer that stays fresh and actually looks better when you pull them from the fridge
  • Naturally vegetarian and gluten-free friendly, so you're not scrambling to accommodate different dietary needs
02 -
  • The cheese mixture must be at room temperature or it won't roll smoothly—cold cheese cracks and crumbles no matter how hard you try. Plan ahead and let it soften completely.
  • Rolling the balls in the coating requires a light touch; if you press too hard or roll too much, the cheese ball compresses and the coating gets patchy. Think gentle persuasion, not aggressive rolling.
  • The rosemary sprig is as much about structural support as decoration—insert it while the cheese is still slightly firm from the refrigerator, or it might slide right through. A quick 15-minute chill before garnishing saves frustration.
03 -
  • If your cheese balls are sliding off the platter or looking droopy, they're too warm. Pop them in the freezer for 15 minutes, and they'll hold their shape beautifully and feel firmer when guests bite into them.
  • The rosemary sprigs don't have to be perfect—in fact, the slightly irregular, wild-looking ones look more charming and authentic than perfectly manicured herbs. Embrace the imperfection.
  • Line your platter with parchment paper and chill it before arranging the balls. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless while keeping everything looking pristine throughout the party.
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