A Christmas Ornament Cheese Ball is a festive, fun, and delicious appetizer that looks like a Christmas ornament, perfect for holiday gatherings. It's made with a creamy cheese filling and coated in colorful toppings to mimic the look of an ornament. This dish is not only easy to make, but it also brings a lot of holiday cheer to your table.
Here’s a simple recipe for a Christmas Ornament Cheese Ball:
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Ball:
- 2 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or dried parsley)
- 1 tablespoon green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup finely chopped nuts (optional, for added texture, such as pecans or walnuts)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Coating:
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (for a colorful look)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added color)
- 1 small piece of edible gold or silver foil (optional, for the “top” of the ornament)
- A ribbon or twist tie (to make it look like an ornament hook)
Instructions:
1. Make the Cheese Mixture:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together until smooth and well combined. You can use a hand mixer or mix by hand with a spatula. If you prefer a chunkier texture, feel free to leave it a little rustic.
2. Shape the Cheese Ball:
- Once the cheese mixture is ready, use your hands to form it into a round ball shape, as you would shape a typical cheese ball.
- Place the cheese ball on a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper to help form and shape it neatly.
3. Coat the Cheese Ball:
- Prepare the coatings by placing each topping (chopped parsley, red bell pepper, green onions, nuts, etc.) in separate small bowls.
- Gently roll the cheese ball in the desired toppings. For a traditional Christmas ornament look, you can coat the cheese ball in green parsley and red bell pepper to give it a festive, colorful appearance.
- You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese for an extra pop of color.
4. Make the Ornament "Hook":
- To create the "top" of the ornament, take a small piece of edible gold or silver foil or use a piece of aluminum foil. Shape it into a little ring or cap and gently place it on top of the cheese ball.
- Attach a small ribbon or twist tie around the top of the ornament to resemble the hook that holds a real Christmas ornament.
5. Chill and Serve:
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour before serving. This helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh veggies for dipping.
Tips:
- Flavor Variations: You can add additional ingredients to the cheese ball mixture, like crushed pineapple, dried cranberries, or bacon bits, for extra flavor and texture.
- Nuts: If you have guests with nut allergies, you can skip the nuts or replace them with other coatings like crushed pretzels or crispy fried onions.
- Make-Ahead: This cheese ball can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.
This Christmas Ornament Cheese Ball is not only delicious but also a fun and decorative addition to your holiday spread. It’s a perfect dish for family gatherings, holiday parties, or even as a gift for friends or neighbors. Enjoy!