16 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
2 large pretzel twists, for the antlers
2 whole black olives, for the eyes
1 red cherry tomato or a piece of red bell pepper, for the nose
Assorted crackers, for serving
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a sturdy spatula or a hand mixer on low speed to blend everything together until the mixture is smooth and the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese.
Once the ingredients are well combined, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. Chilling the mixture makes it much easier to handle and ensures that it holds its shape once you begin forming the ball.
Lay out a piece of plastic wrap on your counter. Scoop the chilled cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap. Use your hands to gather the plastic wrap around the cheese, molding it into a smooth, round ball shape. If you find the cheese is sticking to your hands, you can lightly coat them with a tiny bit of olive oil or water.
Place the cheese ball onto your serving platter. Carefully insert two large pretzel twists into the top sides of the ball to serve as the antlers. Press two black olives into the front to create the eyes, and place the red cherry tomato or bell pepper circle just below the eyes to make the nose. Serve immediately or keep it refrigerated until your guests arrive.
