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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers

    Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball: A Crowd Pleasing Appetizer

    Modified: Nov 11, 2025 · Published: Nov 8, 2011 by Brandy · This post may contain affiliate links.

    A darling thanksgiving turkey cheese ball that is sure to be a crowd pleaser this year! Serve with crackers and pretzels!

    turkey cheese ball on green plate
    Here is a fun appetizer that I've made a few times and it has always been a hit, especially with the younger crowd!
    turkey cheese ball on green plate
    I used felt to create a turkey head.  I used 2 pieces, sewed all the way around
    with a small hole in the bottom, then slid a skewer in the bottom to attach the turkey to the ball. You could make a head out of cardstock as well and glue a toothpick or skewer in between the layers of cardstock).
    Then I added crackers and pretzels in it for the feathers and loaded up the platter with more crackers.
    This makes a lot!
    But since it is made from cream cheese, it will store for a while in the refrigerator.

    Thanksgiving Turkey Cheese Ball

    adapted
    3 packages of cream cheese
    1 package of dry ranch mix
    3 ½ c. shredded cheese, whatever you like
    ⅓ c. diced green onions
    2 c. almonds (toasted)
    Mash cream cheese in a bowl. Add next 3 ingredients. Form into a ball shape and roll in nuts. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 8 hours (to allow ranch to distribute evenly...otherwise it'll be too salty).
    Serve with crackers.
    Make sure to let the cheese ball chill for the 8 hours, then add the crackers right before serving. Do not refrigerate the crackers and the assembled turkey for 8 hours. The crackers will get soft.
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    Pretzel Roll Recipe
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    About Brandy

    Welcome! I'm Brandy, mother to 5 darling kiddos and a cute black lab named Toby. My husband is in the Coast Guard so we've lived all over the place, turning each house into a home. I love baking, sewing, making cute things with my kids, and sharing what I've learned with all of you!

    Comments

    1. city says

      February 22, 2013 at 3:47 am

      thanks for share.

      Reply
    2. Fernanda Evangelista says

      February 20, 2013 at 1:39 am

      I made it and LOVED it !!! It's a huge hit every time I make !
      I hope you don't mind that I mentioned it on my blog and it's all over the world now ...
      You can check it out: http://cozinhanareal.blogspot.com/2013/01/aperitivo-de-queijo-temperado.html
      Thanks for the inspiration!!!

      Reply
      • Brandy says

        February 20, 2013 at 2:40 am

        Wonderful!! Thank you for taking the time to come back and let me know! And now I am off to browse your blog! 🙂

        Reply
    3. Nancy Martin says

      February 21, 2012 at 11:11 am

      I love it!!Thanks for providing Thanksgiving Cheese Ball idea. I'll include it my thanksgiving dinner party...For more see on Thanksgiving recipes.

      Reply
    4. Heather L. says

      November 25, 2011 at 3:21 am

      So cute! I just wanted you to know that I attempted to do this and posted it with a link back to your blog - thanks for the inspiration!!!

      http://luluandjunebug.blogspot.com/2011/11/thankful.html

      Reply
    5. amy jolly says

      November 23, 2011 at 5:36 am

      Love this idea! Just wanted to let you know I posted it on my blog :: http://www.sundaysbestco.com/blogs/sundaysblog

      Happy Thanksgiving!
      Amy

      Reply
    6. Trish and Bonnie @ Uncommon says

      November 19, 2011 at 1:31 pm

      Just wanted you to know we featured this adorable project on our blog today! Happy Thanksgiving!

      http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2011/11/thanksgiving-appetizers-and-sweetsyum.html

      Reply
    7. SusieQTpies says

      November 16, 2011 at 9:55 pm

      This is adorable. Thanks for the idea! I'd love it if you came and linked it up in my Holiday Tips, Crafts & Recipes link up!!

      Thank you so much, Susie

      http://cafescrapper-scrapsoflife.blogspot.com/2011/11/crock-pot-pizza-soup.html

      Reply
    8. Lisa says

      November 16, 2011 at 1:48 pm

      How cute! This would be perfect for my hubby's family. They're so into their cheeseballs. It's the highlight of the meal!

      Reply
    9. Zoe says

      November 15, 2011 at 4:25 pm

      So Cute and fun!!! I plan to make this on Thanksgiving!

      Just to let you know I featured this on my blog today-http://xstitchandcrafts.blogspot.com/2011/11/tuesday-10-10-amazing-thanksgiving.html

      Reply
    10. Emily says

      November 15, 2011 at 10:07 am

      Hi! Came over from Made By You Monday! This looks great! Would love for you to come over and link up to my Tasty Tuesday party going on now! http://nap-timecreations.blogspot.com/

      Reply
    11. HI THERE! says

      November 15, 2011 at 7:45 am

      This is so cute!
      Jenn :0

      Reply
    12. Brit @ JandMs Eye Candy says

      November 14, 2011 at 7:34 pm

      How cheesily wonderful! 😉 Love it, can't wait to impress my Turkey Day guests with it 🙂
      Britney
      http://www.jandmseyecandy.blogspot.com

      Reply
    13. {Steph} says

      November 14, 2011 at 4:15 pm

      Yummy! Thanks for sharing.

      ~Steph @ Silver Boxes

      Reply
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