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Turkey Cheeseball

Turn a classic cheeseball into a turkey by using pretzels for tail feathers and a small cheese head. It's still the bacon-ranch cheese everyone loves, just dressed up for Thanksgiving. Makes people smile before they dig in.

A young woman with long, wavy hair wearing glasses is seated at a table, holding a menu and looking thoughtfully to the side in a softly lit restaurant.
Updated on Wed, 01 Jan 2025 17:34:31 GMT
A cheese ball shaped like a cartoonish bird, decorated with bacon bits, cheese, and pretzel stick feathers, surrounded by pretzels.
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A cheese ball shaped like a cartoonish bird, decorated with bacon bits, cheese, and pretzel stick feathers, surrounded by pretzels. Pin it
A cheese ball shaped like a cartoonish bird, decorated with bacon bits, cheese, and pretzel stick feathers, surrounded by pretzels. | quickierecipe.com

This adorable Turkey Cheeseball brings fun and flavor to your holiday table! Made with creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, then decorated with pretzel "feathers," this Turkey Cheeseball becomes an instant conversation starter. Perfect with crackers or veggies, it's sure to be the star of your appetizer spread.

Simple Ingredients List

For your Turkey Cheeseball base:

Creamy Base:
Softened cream cheese and sour cream.
Cheese Magic:
Shredded cheddar or your favorite blend.
Flavor Boost:
Ranch seasoning and garlic powder.
Warm Kick:
Red pepper flakes or paprika.

For decorating:

Crunchy Touch:
Bacon crumbles add texture.
Turkey Time:
Pretzels for neck and feathers.
Finishing Fun:
Candy eyes and cheese for the face.

Creating Your Turkey

Blend your cheese mixture with seasonings and bacon.

Shape into two balls - one large for body, one small for head.

Chill until firm, at least 4 hours.

Connect head and body with a pretzel rod.

Add your turkey face details.

Create tail feathers with pretzels.

Tips For Success

Give your Turkey Cheeseball plenty of chill time for the best shape. Fresh bacon makes everything better. Press those pretzel feathers in firmly so they stay upright. Feel free to switch up your cheese blend, and prep ahead for easy entertaining.

A creamy dessert salad topped with cheddar cheese and pecans, served in a white bowl alongside a dish of mixed nuts. Pin it
A creamy dessert salad topped with cheddar cheese and pecans, served in a white bowl alongside a dish of mixed nuts. | quickierecipe.com

Serving And Storage

Serve your Turkey Cheeseball chilled with plenty of dippers around. Leftovers stay fresh wrapped tight in the fridge for three days. Want to get ahead? Make your cheese mixture early and assemble just before the party.

Fun Variations

Make this Turkey Cheeseball your own! Add fresh herbs, spice it up with jalapeños, or create a vegetarian version with sun-dried tomatoes. You can even use food coloring for extra festive flair.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How far ahead can I make this?

Make and shape the cheese mixture up to three days ahead, but wait to add the pretzels and decorations until serving day so they stay crisp. The whole turkey looks best assembled fresh.

→ Why not ranch dip mix?

Ranch seasoning powder is more concentrated than dip mix, giving better flavor without making the cheese too soft. It helps keep the turkey shape better too.

→ Can I freeze this cheeseball?

You can freeze the plain cheese mixture, but don't add the decorations. The texture gets a bit dry after freezing though, so fresh is best.

→ Will the pretzel rod support the head?

Yes, if you push it deep into both cheese balls. The chilled cheese is firm enough to hold everything in place.

→ What if I can't find candy eyes?

You can use small bits of black olives, or just skip them. The beak and pretzel feathers make it look like a turkey either way.

Turkey Cheeseball

A festive cheese appetizer shaped like a turkey, made with cream cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. Perfect for Thanksgiving.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
240 Minutes
Total Time
255 Minutes
By: Meryem


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (3 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 12 ounces cream cheese, softened.
02 1/2 cup sour cream.
03 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded.
04 1 small corner cheddar block.
05 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning powder.
06 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.
07 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
08 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled.
09 1 large pretzel rod.
10 3+ large pretzel twists.
11 5+ mini pretzels.
12 2 candy eyes.

Instructions

Step 01

Blend cream cheese and sour cream. Add seasonings. Mix in cheddar and 1/3 cup bacon. Reserve 3 tablespoons mixture.

Step 02

Shape large ball for body. Make small ball for head. Wrap both in plastic. Chill 4 hours or overnight.

Step 03

Insert pretzel rod through head into body. Add cheddar beak, candy eyes. Place pretzel twists for tail. Add mini pretzels in front. Cover with remaining bacon.

Step 04

Keep chilled. Serve with crackers.

Notes

  1. Keeps 3 days assembled in fridge.
  2. Can freeze cheese mixture but not decorated.
  3. Use ranch seasoning not dip mix.
  4. Best assembled day of serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large mixing bowl.
  • Plastic wrap.
  • Mixing spoon.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar).
  • Wheat (pretzels).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 8 g
  • Protein: 9 g