Christmas Ball
Festive and savory, these Christmas Balls combine bratwurst and cream cheese for a delightful appetizer, perfect for holiday gatherings and party platters.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix bratwurst, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and onion flakes until well combined.
- Chill the mixture for at least 30 minutes.
- Wet hands to prevent sticking, then roll the mixture into small balls.
- Roll each ball in chopped parsley on waxed paper.
- Top each ball with a artificial poinsettia for decoration.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using flavored cream cheese, such as garlic or chive. If you want a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. If bratwurst isn't available, turkey or chicken sausage can be a great alternative. Remember to chill the mixture long enough for better handling; this helps the balls hold their shape.
Serving Suggestions
These Christmas Balls make a great appetizer at holiday parties. Serve them alongside a festive cheese platter or with a dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mustard. They can also pair beautifully with Roasted Potatoes With Parmesan Cheese for a hearty holiday meal. Garnishing with fresh herbs adds a nice touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Christmas Balls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as this may ruin their texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Ball contains roughly 159 calories, with 5g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is a good source of protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 850mg per serving (37% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these Christmas Balls ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mixture and roll them into balls a day in advance. Just store them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and makes for an easy appetizer on party day.
What can I use instead of bratwurst?
If you're looking for a substitute for bratwurst, turkey or chicken sausage works well. For a vegetarian option, consider using plant-based sausage or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with the cream cheese. This will maintain the creamy texture while catering to different dietary preferences.
How can I make these Christmas Balls spicier?
To add some heat, mix in a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or finely chopped jalapeños into the mixture. You can also try adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a spicy sausage instead of regular bratwurst for an extra kick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).