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A close-up of the Turkey Cheeseball, showcasing the finely chopped pecan and bacon coating, vibrant mini pepper feathers, and black olive "eyes."

Turkey Cheeseball

This festive turkey cheeseball is the Thanksgiving showstopper you’ve been searching for! Creamy, smoky and loaded with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing appetizer that doubles as a centerpiece for your appetizer table. With its colorful bell pepper feathers and savory bacon coating, this fun and delicious recipe will wow your guests!
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Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 16 servings
Calories: 242kcal

Ingredients

Cheeseball Base:

  • 16 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup sour cream, 60g
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Coating:

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped bacon

Turkey Decorations:

  • Mini bell peppers, for the feathers, beat and wattle
  • Black olives, for the eyes

Instructions

Make the Cheeseball:

  • In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ cup crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
  • Divide the mixture into two portions: one larger (for the body) and one smaller (for the head). Shape each portion into a ball.
  • Wrap each ball tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or until firm.

Coat the Cheeseballs:

  • In a shallow dish, mix the chopped pecans and the remaining 1/2 cup of crumbled bacon.
  • Unwrap the chilled cheeseballs. Roll both the larger and smaller balls in the pecan-bacon mixture until fully coated.

Assemble the Turkey:

  • Place the larger cheeseball (the body) on a serving platter.
  • Attach the smaller cheeseball (the head) on top of the larger ball near the edge, using gentle pressure to ensure it adheres. For extra stability, you can use a toothpick or two between the balls, if desired.
  • Cut a triangle shape from an orange mini bell pepper for the turkey's beak. Attach it to the smaller cheeseball (the head) with a small dab of cream cheese.
  • Use slices of black olives for the eyes. Attach them above the beak using cream cheese.
  • Cut a strip of red bell pepper to form the wattle (the part hanging below the beak) and press it into place beneath the beak.
  • Cut two pieces of orange bell pepper into claw-like shapes for the feet and arrange them beneath the larger cheeseball.

Decorate the Feathers:

  • Slice mini bell peppers lengthwise, removing the seeds and ribs of the pepper, to create "feathers." Insert the slices into the back of the larger cheeseball, alternating colors for a vibrant effect. I placed the outside of the pepper forward for a cleaner look.

Serve:

  • Arrange additional crackers around the turkey for dipping.
  • Serve chilled and enjoy!

Notes

  • Save the cream cheese wrapper: You'll need a small amount of cream cheese to attach the turkey's facial features. Instead of opening yet another brick of cream cheese, use what you already have! After unwrapping the cream cheese, press the foil wrapper closed around any leftover bits and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to assemble the turkey, simply use the remnants on the wrapper to attach the beak, wattle, and eyes!
  • Use softened cream cheese: Use fully softened cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture. Cold cream cheese will be harder to mix.
  • Make-ahead tip: Prepare the cheeseball a day in advance and store it in the fridge, but wait to decorate the turkey until just before serving to keep the peppers and other decorations fresh.
  • Gluten-free option: Everything in the cheeseball is naturally gluten-free, so just be sure to serve with gluten-free crackers!
  • Room temperature for serving: Allow the cheeseball to sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving to make it easier to dip. It's a bit too firm for easy dipping when it is right out of the refrigerator. 

Nutrition

Calories: 242kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Cholesterol: 45mg | Sodium: 416mg | Potassium: 92mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 593IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 147mg | Iron: 0.3mg