Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball

Name: Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: Serves 10
Ingredients: 16 oz cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped green onions; 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped; Assorted colorful vegetables (carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes) for garnish

Highlighted under: Seasonal & Festive

Create a festive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving veggie tray with this delightful Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball. This creamy, flavorful cheese ball is shaped like a turkey and decorated with vibrant vegetables, making it a show-stopping appetizer that will impress your guests. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it combines rich cheese and seasonings with a fun, seasonal twist that's sure to be a hit on your table!

Created by

Emma

Last updated on 2025-11-08T16:43:20.353Z

This Thanksgiving, make a lasting impression with this charming cheese ball that resembles a turkey. Not only is it easy to make, but it also brings everyone together in a fun and creative way to enjoy their veggies!

Perfect for Holiday Celebrations

The Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball is an excellent addition to your holiday festivities. Not only does it serve as an eye-catching centerpiece, but it also brings people together as everyone gathers around to enjoy the delicious flavors. The festive shape of the turkey adds a playful touch to your veggie tray, making it perfect for both casual family gatherings and more formal holiday dinners.

When hosting Thanksgiving or any gathering, having a variety of appetizers is essential. This turkey cheese ball offers a balanced combination of creamy and crunchy textures, thanks to the combination of cheeses and assorted vegetables. Your guests will appreciate the delicious flavors and the effort you put in to create a thoughtful, themed dish.

Healthier Option Without Sacrificing Flavor

If you're looking for a healthier holiday appetizer that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this turkey cheese ball fits the bill. Made with cream cheese, cheddar, and feta, this appetizer is rich, satisfying, and still offers a nutritious twist thanks to the array of colorful vegetables. By incorporating fresh veggies for decoration and serving, you'll be adding a healthy crunch that everyone can enjoy.

Plus, the use of walnuts not only enhances the flavor but provides a good source of healthy fats and protein, making this cheese ball a more wholesome option. You can feel good about serving this delicious treat at your holiday table, knowing that guests can indulge without compromising their health goals.

Customizable and Easy to Make

One of the best aspects of the Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball is its versatility. You can customize the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary preferences. For instance, if you’re not a fan of feta, you can easily substitute it with another cheese or simply increase the amount of cheddar. This adaptability makes it suitable for different palates and ensures that everyone at the gathering has something to enjoy.

Making this festive cheese ball is also straightforward and doesn’t require advanced culinary skills. With just a few simple steps, you can create an impressive appetizer that’s ready to serve in no time. This ease of preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the holiday with your loved ones, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to create your Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball.

Cheese Ball Ingredients

16 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Decoration Ingredients

1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
Assorted colorful vegetables (carrots, celery, cherry tomatoes) for garnish

Combine these with your creativity for the best presentation!

Instructions

Follow these steps to shape and decorate your cheese ball.

Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, feta cheese, green onions, red bell pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Shape the Turkey

Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Place in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.

Decorate

Once firm, roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts to cover. Use the vegetables to create the turkey's features (carrot for beak, cherry tomatoes for wattle, and other veggies for decoration).

Serve

Place the cheese ball on a platter surrounded by fresh vegetables for dipping. Enjoy!

Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

After preparing your Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball, you may wonder about the best way to store leftovers. Wrap any leftover cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in the refrigerator for up to four days. This will help maintain its moisture and flavor, making it just as enjoyable the next day.

When it's time to serve, simply remove the cheese ball from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. This allows it to soften slightly, making it easier for guests to spread on crackers or dip with fresh veggies. Pair it with a selection of your favorite dips or spreads for variety and an extra flavor kick!

Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your Thanksgiving cheese ball experience, consider pairing it with different types of crackers and breadsticks. Whole grain or seed crackers can provide a nice crunch and will complement the creamy texture of the cheese ball beautifully. Sliced baguette or pita chips are also excellent choices for a flavorful bite.

For an extra layer of flavor, you could serve the cheese ball with a selection of relishes, hummus, or gourmet jams. The sweetness of a fig jam or the tanginess of a pepper jelly contrasts wonderfully with the rich cheese, offering your guests delightful taste experiences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with the cheese ball?

This cheese ball pairs well with crackers, veggies, or bread.