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Turkey Cheeseball

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

Dress up your favorite cheesy bacon dish like a turkey! Use pretzels for bright feathers, add some edible eyes, and enjoy a snack that's as fun as it is tasty. A holiday hit every time!

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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Mon, 26 May 2025 12:23:44 GMT
A playful cheese snack shaped like a bird with pretzel feathers, bacon, and ranch flavors, sitting among extra pretzels. Pin it
A playful cheese snack shaped like a bird with pretzel feathers, bacon, and ranch flavors, sitting among extra pretzels. | tasteofsavor.com

This cute Turkey Cheeseball is a playful and tasty addition to your holiday gathering. Whipped up with smooth cheese, plenty of bacon bits, and punchy ranch flavor, it gets dressed up with pretzel "feathers" everyone will talk about. Dip in some crackers or crunchy veggies and watch this showstopper disappear fast.

Simple Shopping Guide

You’ll need these for your cheeseball:

Cheesy Start:
Sour cream and cream cheese, both softened up.
Extra Cheese:
Grab shredded cheddar or any melty cheese you love.
Packed With Flavor:
Garlic powder and ranch mix make it tasty.
Spicy Hint:
A sprinkle of paprika or red pepper flakes.

Now, for topping and fun:

Crispy Crunch:
Chopped bacon brings awesome bites.
Turkey Details:
Pretzel sticks for the feathers and neck.
Faces & Flair:
Use sliced cheese and candy eyes for decorating.

Awesome Turkey Creation

Stir together cheeses, seasonings, and bacon till smooth.

Form two balls—big for the body, little for the head.

Chill everything for at least four hours so it’s firm.

Stick a pretzel stick between head and body to hold them together.

Pop on your turkey face extras.

Last, poke pretzels into the back for tail feathers.

Winning Tips

Let your cheeseball chill a good while so it holds up. Crisp bacon adds a yummy crunch. Press pretzels in really well so they don’t wobble. Go wild swapping out cheese types and prep early to keep things easy.

Smooth salad packed with cheddar and pecans, scooped into a white bowl next to mixed nuts. Pin it
Smooth salad packed with cheddar and pecans, scooped into a white bowl next to mixed nuts. | tasteofsavor.com

Plating & Storing

Lay out your Turkey Cheeseball cold and surround it with a pile of crackers or veggie sticks. Wrap leftovers tightly and stash in the fridge for up to three days. Want a head start? Mix the cheesy base early and just assemble before you serve.

Cool Twists

Give this Turkey Cheeseball your spin! Mix in herbs, toss in chopped jalapeño for some heat, or swap bacon for sun-dried tomato to make it veggie-friendly. Food coloring works too if you want brighter colors for parties.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long in advance can I prep this?

You can mix the cheese and shape it three days ahead. But leave the pretzel feathers and decorations off until you're ready to serve. The presentation stays fresh that way.

→ Why not use ranch dip mix?

Powdered ranch seasoning packs more punch and keeps the mixture firm enough to hold its shape. Dip mix adds too much liquid and can make it messy.

→ Can I freeze this snack?

The cheese mixture freezes okay without decorations, but the texture changes a bit and gets crumbly. Fresh always tastes better.

→ Will the pretzel rod hold the head steady?

Yep! Push the rod deeply into both cheese pieces. Once chilled, the cheese firms up and supports everything perfectly.

→ What can I use instead of candy eyes?

Black olive slices work in a pinch, or you can leave them off altogether. The pretzels and shape still make it obvious it's a turkey.

Turkey Cheeseball

Make a turkey using cheese, bacon, and ranch flavors. A playful Thanksgiving centerpiece everyone enjoys!

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

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 12 Servings (3 cups)

Dietary: Low-Carb

Ingredients

01 One block of softened cream cheese (12 oz).
02 Half cup of sour cream.
03 Shredded cheddar cheese, 1.5 cups.
04 Small square of cheddar cheese for detail.
05 Three spoons of powdered ranch seasoning.
06 A pinch of red pepper flakes (1/2 tsp).
07 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
08 Cooked bacon crumbles, around 8 slices worth.
09 One big pretzel rod.
10 Three or more large pretzel loops.
11 At least 5 tiny pretzel pieces.
12 Two candy eyes for decoration.

Instructions

Step 01

Whip the sour cream with cream cheese until smooth. Stir in spices, cheddar, and 1/3 cup bacon bits. Put aside 3 spoons of this mix.

Step 02

Make one big ball for the body and a smaller one for the head. Wrap both tightly in plastic and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or leave overnight.

Step 03

Stick the long pretzel rod through the head and into the body. Use candy eyes and a bit of cheddar for the face. Large pretzel loops form the tail, minis for the front. Sprinkle the last of the bacon all over.

Step 04

Keep it chilled and enjoy with crackers for dipping.

Notes

  1. Stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  2. Cheese mix can freeze, but decorated version can't.
  3. Stick with ranch seasoning, not ranch dip mix.
  4. Best to assemble it the same day you're serving.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big mixing bowl.
  • Plastic wrap for keeping it sealed.
  • A spoon to stir with.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy like cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar.
  • Wheat present because of 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