Description
This festive Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a delightful and easy-to-make holiday appetizer featuring a creamy blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, seasoned with herbs and spices, then shaped and decorated to resemble a Christmas tree. Perfect for parties, it combines vibrant colors and flavors with a fun presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 3 x 8 ounce (225g) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
Decorations
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- ¼ each yellow and red bell peppers, diced
- 1 tablespoon pistachios, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon pine nuts (optional)
- Thick slice of cheese for star (any firm cheese)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to beat together the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses until smooth and well combined. Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, ground black pepper, and salt. Continue beating the mixture until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Shape and Chill the Cheese Ball: Transfer the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Tightly wrap it while shaping it into a cone resembling a Christmas tree. Refrigerate the wrapped cheese cone for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to allow it to firm up and for flavors to meld.
- Decorate the Cheese Tree: Unwrap the chilled cheese cone and place it on a serving plate. Lightly press some of the chopped parsley onto the surface to resemble greenery. Dot pine nuts around the tree in lines to imitate string lights. Arrange diced red and yellow bell peppers and chopped pistachios on the surface like baubles or ornaments. Fill any gaps with remaining parsley to give a lush look.
- Create the Star Topper: Using a small cookie cutter, cut a star shape out of a thick slice of firm cheese. Attach the star to the top of the cheese tree with a toothpick to keep it secure.
- Serve: Present the Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with crackers, sturdy bread slices, or chips for guests to enjoy as a festive appetizer.
Notes
- This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a perfect festive appetizer that is as easy to make as it is delicious, ideal for holiday parties.
- The cone shape can be adjusted to your preference; shaping by hand works best with chilled cream cheese.
- The decoration options are versatile—feel free to substitute nuts and vegetables based on availability and preference.
- Make ahead by preparing the cheese ball a day before your event to enhance flavor and save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 158 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 222 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg
