This Roast Turkey Holiday Cheeseball Appetizer is sure to bring out the oohs and aahs on Thanksgiving! This easy, creamy, and smoky turkey-shaped cheeseball looks amazing and tastes even better!
I like to make fun and unexpected things for Thanksgiving, and hopefully you do too. While I love traditional recipes, I also love bringing whimsy and unique items to the table. Recipes like my Turkey Crust Pumpkin Pie, Turkey Bread Bowl Appetizer, Autumn Leaves Apple Pie, and finally this delicious Pretzel Roll Stuffing.
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- How this recipe came to be
- Searching the internet for a cooked turkey image:
- Additional add-in suggestions (if desired)
- Can this "turkey" cheeseball be made in advance?
- How to store a cheeseball shaped like a turkey?
- What are the best dippers to serve with this whimsical Thanksgiving cheeseball?
- Is this difficult to make?
- My top tips and tricks for recipe success
- Can this Thanksgiving cheeseball be scaled back in size if needed?
- How to serve a Thanksgiving holiday cheeseball:
- Additional appetizer recipes for your fall celebrations:
- Printable Recipe Card
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- mixing bowls
- hand mixer
- measuring cups and spoons
- nut chopper
- box grater
- large skillet
- spatula
- parchment paper
- oil or oil spray for hands
- serving vessel
How this recipe came to be
I was asked to bring the appetizer to my son and daughter-in-law's house for Thanksgiving.
I hemmed and hawed all week leading up to Thanksgiving as to what I should bring when this idea for a turkey cheeseball popped into my head.
Once that happened, there was no turning back.
Searching the internet for a cooked turkey image:
I went online to find simple turkey shapes so I could best mimic my vision of a cooked turkey.
The cheeseball ingredients are ones that I knew would be delicious, and the nuts and bacon bits (to make it look like it just came out of the oven) were inspired by a football-shaped cheeseball I made several years ago to bring to a party.
Additional add-in suggestions (if desired)
- dried cranberries
- chopped scallions
- minced shallots
- dried apricots, finely chopped
- water chestnuts (dried, and finely chopped)
- white cheddar cheese (shredded)
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Can this "turkey" cheeseball be made in advance?
You bet!
While it's not difficult to make or assemble this Thanksgiving appetizer, it may take some time to play around with the actual cheeseball until you are happy with the turkey shape (at least it did for me).
You can prepare this "guy" up to two days before you want to serve him, which will take some of the stress out of the shaping and preparation.
How to store a cheeseball shaped like a turkey?
Loosely cover the prepared turkey cheeseball in plastic wrap (don't worry, the nut and bacon coating will keep the plastic wrap from sticking), and keep it in the refrigerator.
About half an hour before serving, set it out at room temperature so the cheeseball will soften slightly, and for the best flavor.
What are the best dippers to serve with this whimsical Thanksgiving cheeseball?
Cocktail bread slices, pita chips, bagel chips, crostini, crackers, vegetables...you name it!! The possibilities are as endless as your imagination!
Is this difficult to make?
No, not difficult, but it may take a little time and effort to achieve the desired shape. At least it did for me (at least 30 minutes).
Follow my top tips and tricks (listed below) for easy handling and shaping of your turkey.
My top tips and tricks for recipe success
I made sure to build (and form) my turkey on a piece of parchment paper so I could easily lift and move my completed cheeseball easily and effortlessly to the serving dish.
Gently lift the Parchment paper (along with the cheeseball) and set them both into place. If desired, trim any excess parchment paper from around the cheeseball for a clean, less messy presentation before garnishing with herbs.
Make sure to keep your hands and fingers slightly oiled so the cream cheese mixture won't stick too terribly while you're shaping the turkey.
Before adding the drumsticks and wings to the turkey, press some of the bacon bits and pecans onto the bottom portion of the turkey body while that area is easily accessible.
*Important Note - The cream cheese mixture will stick to itself, but not as well to the pecan and bacon "skin."
As mentioned above, ensure that you cover only the slight bottom portion of the turkey with the coating, leaving ample space to insert the drumsticks and wings in place (cheese mixture to cheese mixture) without the coating getting in the way.
Continue pressing the coating onto the turkey for full coverage around the entire "body."
Once completed, gently but firmly press the nut and bacon coating into place so the coating adheres without falling off.
If the turkey becomes slightly misshapen after this process, you can easily go back in to reshape it if needed.
Can this Thanksgiving cheeseball be scaled back in size if needed?
Yes, easily. Instead of using 4 blocks of cream cheese, use two; instead of using 8 ounces of shredded Gouda, use 4 ounces, and so on.
That said, it is important to note that the leftovers of this cheeseball will keep well in the refrigerator for 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container, so you may want to make the whole bird and then snack on it again in the future.
How to serve a Thanksgiving holiday cheeseball:
As you can see from the images, I used a small baking dish; however, you can use whatever you have available. A dinner plate will also work well.
If using a plate, I suggest adding a small dollop of cheeseball mixture to the bottom of the plate and gently placing the turkey on top with a light press to keep it from sliding off. This will work even with the parchment paper trick mentioned above.
I also use fresh rosemary to garnish in "the turkey cavity" and around the body for an extra fun and whimsical touch. This type of garnish is optional; you can use any fresh herbs you prefer.
I had plenty of fresh rosemary in the garden, so I chose to use it. Assorted dippers and vegetables would also work well to surround the roast turkey cheeseball appetizer before serving. Do whatever works best for you!
Additional appetizer recipes for your fall celebrations:
With a savory filling of pumpkin, cream cheese, bacon, and sage, these Pumpkin Crescent Pinwheel Appetizers are always a hit when it's time to party.
Easy Bratwurst Appetizer Bites are just the thing to serve during a party or for game day. They're also super simple to make, and everybody loves them! SCORE!
Stuffing-Stuffed Cremini Mushrooms can be served as an appetizer or side dish. These tasty filled mushrooms are easy to make, delicious to eat, and will disappear quickly, so you'd better make plenty!
Parmesan Onion Squares are an easy-to-make appetizer with a light, oniony flavor, a crisp yet creamy texture, and a subtle yet unexpected touch of sweetness that everyone loves!
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Printable Recipe Card
"Roast Turkey" Holiday Cheeseball Appetizer
Equipment
- serving vessel
Ingredients
- 4 blocks (8 ounces each) cream cheese softened to room temperature
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 8 ounces smoked gouda cheese shredded
- 3 cups finely chopped pecans, divided toasted
- 2 cups bacon bits, divided
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 each breadsticks cut to size for drumstick bones
- assorted fresh herbs, optional for garnish your favorite variety
Instructions
- Add the chopped pecans and bacon bits to a large dry skillet. Set the heat to medium low. Stir the nuts and bacon continually until you can start to smell them.Once they're lightly fragrant, turn off the heat and allow the bacon and pecans to cool completely. Measure out one cup of the nut and bacon mixture, and set the remaining two cups aside for later.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to thoroughly blend the softened cream cheese, mayo, shredded gouda cheese, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Stir in the cup of pecans and bacon bits until well combined.
- Work and shape the turkey on a piece of parchment paper (for easy transfer of the completed cheeseball). Oil hand and fingers to avoid excessive sticking.Shape approximately half of the cheeseball mixture into a turkey breast shape. Before adding the wings and drumsticks press some of the remaining 2 cups of chopped pecans and bacon bits onto the bottom quarter of the turkey breast. I recommend doing this first to have easier access to the bottom of the turkey for good nut and bacon coverage.
- Cut (or break) a breadstick in half. Form approximately ¼ cup of the remaining cheeseball mixture around each of the sticks to form two drumsticks, making sure to leave some of the "bone" exposed. Gently press the two drumsticks to either side of back end of the turkey's body (this should be relatively easy to do because the cheeseball mixture will stick to itself). Shape two wing pieces and stick one each to either side of the front of the turkey's body. *Note - don't get too hung up on making a proper wing shape, I just made two rectangles and they looked fine.
- Once the turkey is completely shaped, gently press the remaining toasted nut and bacon bit pieces all over the turkey's body, making sure to cover it completely looking at it from all angles.
- Use the parchment paper to gently lift the turkey cheeseball to your serving vessel (a small roasting dish, platter, or plate, or baking sheet) and use scissors to trim away any excess parchment paper.
- Cover loosely and store in the the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
- For serving, allow the cheeseball to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Garnish around the turkey cheeseball with fresh herbs (I used rosemary), optional, or garnish with whatever you're using for dippers (crackers, pretzels, vegetables, etc.). Use your imagination and have fun!!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy this fun and tasty holiday cheeseball appetizer as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
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