16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, finely shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
2 large pretzel twists for the antlers
2 whole black olives for the eyes
1 red maraschino cherry or a slice of red bell pepper for the nose
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to blend the ingredients together until they are completely smooth and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Lay out a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap and use your hands to gather the edges, forming the cheese into a tight ball. Once it is shaped, place the wrapped ball in the refrigerator for at least two hours, or until it is firm enough to hold its shape during the decorating process.
Remove the chilled cheese ball from the plastic wrap. Place your finely chopped pecans on a flat plate or in a shallow bowl. Gently roll the cheese ball through the nuts, pressing them lightly so they adhere to the entire surface. This gives the reindeer its brown fur texture and adds a wonderful crunch to every scoop.
Place the coated ball on your serving platter. Gently press two pretzel twists into the top sides of the ball to serve as the antlers. Place two black olives in the center to create the eyes, and finish by adding your red cherry or bell pepper piece just below the eyes to create a bright, festive nose. Serve immediately or keep refrigerated until your guests arrive.
