Best Holiday Cheeseball Recipes for Christmas

When the holidays roll around, there are a few staples you can always count on: cozy sweaters, sparkling lights, and a really good holiday cheeseball. A cheeseball recipe is the perfect party appetizer — quick to make, endlessly customizable, and universally loved.

Whether you’re hosting friends for Christmas, celebrating New Year’s Eve, or cheering on your favorite team on gameday, a great cheeseball delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

This year, we’re elevating the classic with three irresistible options featuring Jones favorites. From smoky salmon to sweet-savory dates to a bold retro throwback, these holiday cheeseball recipes guarantee your appetizer table will be the star of the party.

Bacon and Lox Cheeseball: A Festive Flavor Upgrade

If you want a holiday cheeseball that feels a little fancy without adding any extra stress, the Bacon and Lox Cheeseball is your pick. Think everything-bagel energy but in cheeseball form — creamy, bright, herby, and finished with a crispy bacon coating.

The combination of smoked salmon, lemon zest, fresh herbs, and Jones Dairy Farm Dry Aged Bacon makes this one of the best cheeseball recipes for Christmas or New Year’s Eve gatherings.

Serve it with bagel chips or cucumber slices for a fresh twist guests won’t expect.

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Canadian Bacon Date Cheeseball: Sweet, Savory & Completely Addictive

Cozy and rich, this cheeseball blends creamy cheeses with chopped pecans, honey, and Medjool dates for subtle sweetness. The finishing touch is a generous layer of diced Jones Canadian Bacon for a salty-sweet, festive finish.

Perfect for Christmas parties, New Year’s Eve gatherings, or gameday spreads, this cheeseball recipe brings warmth and holiday cheer to your appetizer table.

The mix of sweet dates and salty Canadian bacon creates a perfect balance that keeps guests coming back for more.

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Braunschweiger Cheeseball: A Retro Holiday Classic

For something fun and a little unexpected, the Braunschweiger Cheeseball is a nostalgic, ultra-savory option that sparks conversation. Made with Jones Braunschweiger, sharp cheddar, and spices, it’s one of the best cheeseball recipes for holiday entertaining.

Roll it in bacon or pecans for extra crunch, and watch it disappear faster than you’d think — perfect for holiday parties or your next gameday gathering.

Plus, this retro holiday favorite is naturally low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten free!

Try the throwback recipe

Tips for Serving the Perfect Holiday Cheeseball

• Make it ahead. Most cheeseballs taste even better after a few hours in the fridge, let them set overnight.
• Serve with texture. Think hearty crackers, crostini, bagel chips, pretzels, or crisp veggies.
• Add a garnish. Herbs, pomegranate seeds, or extra bacon make your holiday cheeseball look extra festive.
• Use multiple cheeseballs on a board. Two or three smaller cheeseballs create a great centerpiece for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or gameday boards.

Your New Holiday Appetizer Tradition

A great cheeseball recipe never goes out of style — and these Jones twists add flavor, fun, and a little holiday magic to any gathering. Whether you go elegant with lox, cozy with Canadian bacon and dates, or bold with Braunschweiger, you’re guaranteed an appetizer guests will come back to for seconds.

Perfect for Christmas, New Year’s Eve, or gameday entertaining, these holiday cheeseball recipes might just become a new family tradition.