Pesto Ornament Cheese Balls are adorable, creamy, and packed with festive flavor. These bite-size cheese balls taste like a luxurious, herby cheese dip rolled into tiny ornaments you can pop right onto a holiday platter. With creamy pesto cheese filling, crunchy coatings, and little “hooks” on top, they are guaranteed to be the cutest (and most delicious) appetizer on the Christmas table.
The first time I served these, people literally squealed before they even tasted them. They look magical, like edible ornaments, yet they’re unbelievably quick to make. You can add different toppings for color and texture, making them the perfect holiday showstopper for charcuterie boards, cocktail parties, and cozy nights in.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Festive, fun, and elegant
- Quick no-bake holiday appetizer
- Creamy, herby, garlicky flavor
- Easy to customize toppings and colors
- Beautiful on cheese boards and party platters
- Make-ahead friendly
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar
- 2 tablespoons basil pesto
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of salt (optional, taste first)
Toppings
Choose a mix for color and crunch:
- Finely chopped parsley
- Crushed pistachios
- Red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Finely diced sun-dried tomatoes
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Poppy seeds or everything seasoning
- Pomegranate seeds (for garnish, not rolling)
Ornament “Hooks”
- Pretzel pieces or mini pretzel sticks
- Rosemary sprigs (for greenery if desired)
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, pesto, garlic powder, pepper, and Parmesan until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 2: Shape
Scoop tablespoon-size portions and roll into small balls. Place on a tray lined with parchment. Chill 20–30 minutes to firm up.
Step 3: Roll in Toppings
Prepare bowls with chosen toppings. Roll each chilled cheese ball in its topping until fully coated.
Step 4: Add Ornament Hooks
Insert a small pretzel piece into the top center of each cheese ball. Add a tiny rosemary sprig if you’d like a festive greenery touch.
Step 5: Serve
Arrange on a holiday platter or charcuterie board. Serve chilled or slightly softened with crackers, crostini, or veggies.
Chef’s Tips
- Chill mixture before rolling so it’s easier to shape
- Keep balls small and bite-size for the best presentation
- Use different coatings for colorful “ornaments”
- If cheese sticks to hands, lightly oil hands before rolling
- Pretzels should be added close to serving so they stay crisp
Variations
- Swap pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or roasted red pepper spread
- Mix goat cheese with cream cheese for tangier flavor
- Add a tiny dollop of jam on top for sweet-savory bites
- Roll in crushed Doritos or Cheetos for a fun twist
- Make larger golf-ball size versions for dipping boards
Serving Suggestions
Serve these pesto ornament cheese balls with:
- Crackers or toasted baguette slices
- Fresh veggies (carrots, cucumber rounds, celery sticks)
- Crostini or pita chips
Perfect for:
- Christmas dinner appetizers
- Holiday cocktail parties
- Cheese and charcuterie boards
- Christmas Eve snacking
- Festive brunch boards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chilling cheese mixture — too soft to roll
- Adding pretzels too early — they may soften
- Using wet knives or spoons — harder to shape
- Oversalting — pesto and Parmesan already have salt
- Handling too much — warmth melts cheese, chill again if too soft
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Make mixture up to 2 days ahead
- Roll into balls and store covered in fridge
- Add toppings up to 24 hours in advance
- Add pretzels right before serving
- Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days
Nutrition (approx. per ball)
- Calories: 90
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 7 g
- Carbs: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
Cute, Creamy & Christmas-Ready
Pesto Ornament Cheese Balls are festive, flavorful, and almost too cute to eat. They bring elegance, whimsy, and holiday cheer to any table — and your guests will not stop talking about them. Bright, creamy, tangy, and customizable, they’re destined to become a Christmas tradition.
Pesto Ornament Cheese Balls
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- spoon or small cookie scoop for portioning
- tray or plate lined with parchment
- small bowls for toppings
- plastic wrap or container for storage
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or white cheddar
- 2 tbsp basil pesto
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- pinch of salt (optional, to taste)
- finely chopped parsley (for coating)
- crushed pistachios (for coating)
- red pepper flakes or paprika (for coating)
- finely diced sun-dried tomatoes (for coating)
- chopped walnuts or pecans (for coating)
- poppy seeds or everything seasoning (for coating)
- pomegranate seeds (garnish only, not for coating)
- mini pretzel sticks or pieces (for ornament ‘hooks’)
- rosemary sprigs (optional greenery garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, pesto, garlic powder, pepper, and Parmesan until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
- Scoop out tablespoon-size portions and roll into balls. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Chill 20–30 minutes to firm.
- Prepare bowls with chosen toppings. Roll each chilled cheese ball until fully coated.
- Insert a pretzel stick in each ball as a hook. Add rosemary if desired for decoration.
- Serve chilled or slightly softened with crackers, veggies, or crostini on a festive platter or board.
