The Butternut Squash Cheeseball with Holiday Cheese Board Recipe is a festive, crowd-pleasing centerpiece perfect for cozy gatherings and celebratory moments. This dish brings together the vibrant, velvety flavor of roasted butternut squash blended with creamy cheeses and fragrant sage, all wrapped in a crunchy walnut coating. Paired with an abundant holiday cheese board full of sweet, savory, and tangy accompaniments, it offers a joyful mix of textures and tastes that will wow your guests and keep everyone reaching for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet vital, each contributing a unique role in creating the incredible flavor, texture, and festive look of this cheeseball and holiday cheese board.
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash: The star vegetable adds a subtle sweetness and creamy texture after cooking.
- 2 tablespoons brown butter: Infuses a rich, nutty depth to complement the squash beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for crisping sage leaves, lending aromatic crispness.
- 1 handful fresh sage leaves: Adds herby earthiness and texture when fried.
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened: Creates the smooth, creamy base of the cheeseball.
- 2/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese: Provides savory sharpness and umami punch.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the individual flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: Adds subtle warmth and balance.
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg: Brings a cozy, holiday-spiced note.
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, preferably toasted: Gives crunch and a toasty flavor coating the cheeseball.
- 1 block merlot soaked cheese: Pairs elegantly with the squash for a sophisticated cheese board variety.
- 1 block sharp parmesan cheese: Adds more cheese texture for cheese board contrast.
- 1 chunk of honeycomb: Offers natural sweetness and a stunning visual.
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced hot capicola: A spicy, savory cured meat to balance the cheese flavors.
- 1 cup kettle corn: Adds a crunchy, lightly sweet snack element.
- 1 cup marinated olives: Brings briny, salty notes.
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews: For buttery crunch that guests love.
- 1/3 cup cranberry chutney or salsa: Introduces a tart, fruity contrast.
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seed salsa: Adds earthiness and a fresh salsa kick.
- 1/3 cup pomegranate arils: Bright bursts of jewel-like sweetness.
- 1/2 cup walnuts suspended in honey: Combines nuttiness and sticky sweetness.
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard: Sharp, tangy condiment to enliven bites.
- 1/4 cup cornichons: Adds a crisp, tart crunch.
- 4 rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced: Colorful, fresh vegetable accents.
- 2 pears, thinly sliced: Juicy and sweet fruit to pair with cheese.
- 2 bunches red seedless grapes, pulled apart: Sweet, bite-sized fresh fruit.
- Hard breadsticks: Perfect for dipping and scooping.
- Whole grain crackers: Adds hearty crunch and nuttiness to cheese bites.
How to Make Butternut Squash Cheeseball with Holiday Cheese Board Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Butternut Squash
Start by placing your cubed butternut squash into a saucepan and cover it with cold water. Bring it up to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes until the squash is fork-tender. Draining it thoroughly is important to avoid any watery cheese ball mixture, which ensures a rich and creamy texture later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Sage
While the squash cooks, heat olive oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook them for approximately one minute on each side or until crisp. These crispy leaves will bring an aromatic, crispy pop to your cheeseball, so be careful not to burn them. Drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
Step 3: Combine Cheeseball Ingredients
In your food processor or stand mixer, combine the cooked butternut squash with brown butter, crispy sage, softened cream cheese, grated parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and freshly grated nutmeg. Pulse or mix until everything melds into a perfectly smooth mixture with no lumps. This silky finish will delight every bite of your cheeseball.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Cheeseball
Spoon the smooth mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it tightly into a ball. Wrap it securely, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight. This chilling step firms up the cheeseball, making it easier to handle and helping the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 5: Coat Cheeseball with Walnuts
Once chilled, spread your finely chopped walnut pieces on a plate. Carefully remove the cheeseball from the plastic wrap and roll it gently in the walnuts, ensuring an even coating that sticks well. This adds a satisfying crunch and a beautiful rustic look to your dish.
Step 6: Assemble the Cheese Board
Now for the fun part—arranging your holiday cheese board! Lay out the walnut-coated Butternut Squash Cheeseball alongside the merlot soaked cheese, sharp parmesan, and chunk of honeycomb. Add the hot capicola, kettle corn, marinated olives, roasted cashews, cranberry chutney, pumpkin seed salsa, pomegranate arils, and walnuts suspended in honey. Don’t forget condiments like whole grain mustard and cornichons. Finally, toss on the peeled and sliced rainbow carrots, fresh pear slices, red seedless grapes, hard breadsticks, and whole grain crackers. The rustic abundance and vibrant colors will wow your guests before they even take a bite.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Cheeseball with Holiday Cheese Board Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like pomegranate arils and crispy sage add beautiful pops of color and texture to your board. Consider sprinkling a few extra toasted walnuts around for rustic charm. These small touches make your display feel festive and full of life, inviting guests to dig in.
Side Dishes
The holiday cheese board is a meal on its own, but light, complementary sides like crisp rainbow carrots and juicy pear slices add fresh, natural sweetness and crunch. Paired with the savory cheeses and meats, these sides balance the richness perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Butternut Squash Cheeseball with Holiday Cheese Board Recipe on a large wooden board or slate platter for that rustic, warm vibe. Adding little bowls for salsas and chutneys breaks up the colors and textures beautifully. You can even tie small bundles of crackers with twine for an elegant touch that feels personal and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover cheeseball and board items can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the cheeseball wrapped tightly to prevent it from drying out and maintain its creamy texture.
Freezing
While the cheeseball can be frozen, it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor. If freezing, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating
This cheeseball is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. Simply allow to sit out for 15-20 minutes before serving for the creamiest experience.
FAQs
Can I make the cheeseball vegan?
To make a vegan version, substitute cream cheese with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for flavor. Brown butter can be replaced with browned coconut oil infused with herbs.
How far in advance can I prepare the cheeseball?
You can prepare and chill the cheeseball up to 2 days in advance. This actually helps the flavors develop more deeply.
What can I use if I don’t have walnuts?
Chopped pecans or almonds are a great alternative to walnuts for coating, offering a similar crunch and flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The cheeseball itself is gluten-free, but make sure to offer gluten-free crackers or breadsticks if accommodating gluten sensitivities.
Can I customize the cheese board for different tastes?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out cheeses, add fresh fruits, nuts, or your favorite chutneys to tailor the board to your preferences or dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
The Butternut Squash Cheeseball with Holiday Cheese Board Recipe is truly a celebration on a plate, perfect for sharing warmth, flavor, and joy with loved ones. Once you try this beautifully balanced combination of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory elements, it will become your go-to festive favorite. Gather your ingredients, invite your friends, and watch this recipe light up your holiday table!
Print
Butternut Squash Cheeseball with Holiday Cheese Board Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This festive Butternut Squash Cheeseball paired with a vibrant Holiday Cheese Board combines creamy, nutty, and savory flavors perfect for entertaining. Featuring a smooth butternut squash and cream cheese blend coated with toasted walnuts, complemented by assorted cheeses, fruits, nuts, and condiments, this recipe offers a delightful centerpiece for any holiday gathering.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash Cheeseball
- 1 cup cubed butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons brown butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 handful fresh sage leaves
- 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
- 2/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 3/4 cup finely chopped walnuts, preferably toasted
Holiday Cheese Board Accompaniments
- 1 block merlot soaked cheese
- 1 block sharp parmesan cheese
- 1 chunk honeycomb
- 1/2 pound thinly sliced hot capicola
- 1 cup kettle corn
- 1 cup marinated olives
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
- 1/3 cup cranberry chutney or salsa
- 1/3 cup pumpkin seed salsa
- 1/3 cup pomegranate arils
- 1/2 cup walnuts suspended in honey
- 1/4 cup whole grain mustard
- 1/4 cup cornichons
- 4 rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced
- 2 pears, thinly sliced
- 2 bunches red seedless grapes, pulled apart
- Hard breadsticks
- Whole grain crackers
Instructions
- Cook the Butternut Squash: Place the cubed butternut squash in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender. Drain thoroughly to remove all water.
- Prepare the Sage: Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and cook for about 1 minute on each side until crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
- Combine Cheeseball Ingredients: In a food processor or stand mixer, combine the cooked butternut squash, brown butter, crispy sage, softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, salt, nutmeg, and pepper. Pulse or mix until the cream cheese breaks down and the mixture becomes smooth, with no lumps.
- Shape and Chill the Cheeseball: Transfer the smooth mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Shape it tightly into a ball and wrap it completely. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight to allow it to firm up.
- Coat Cheeseball with Walnuts: Spread the chopped walnuts on a plate. Remove the chilled cheeseball from the fridge and roll it gently in the walnuts, pressing to adhere evenly on all sides.
- Assemble the Cheese Board: Arrange the cheeseball alongside the merlot soaked cheese, sharp parmesan, honeycomb, hot capicola, kettle corn, marinated olives, roasted cashews, cranberry chutney, pumpkin seed salsa, pomegranate arils, walnuts in honey, whole grain mustard, cornichons, rainbow carrots, pears, red grapes, hard breadsticks, and whole grain crackers on a large serving board. The beauty is in the casual, abundant display.
Notes
- Toast walnuts before chopping to enhance their flavor.
- The cheeseball can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save time.
- For a milder taste, substitute hot capicola with a milder cured meat or prosciutto.
- Use fresh, high-quality cheeses to elevate the cheese board experience.
- Ensure the butternut squash is well drained to avoid a watery cheeseball mixture.
- Feel free to mix and match the accompaniments according to personal preferences or seasonal availability.
