A Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a festive and fun appetizer that's perfect for holiday gatherings. This cheese ball is shaped like a Christmas tree, decorated with colorful toppings to resemble ornaments, and served with crackers, vegetables, or bread. It’s not only delicious but also makes for a great centerpiece on a holiday snack table.
Here’s how you can make a Christmas Tree Cheese Ball:
Ingredients:
For the Cheese Ball:
- 2 (8 oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese (optional for added flavor)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions or chives
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper (for color)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Decorations:
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red and green bell peppers (for "ornaments")
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for the tree “branches”)
- 1-2 tablespoons crushed pecans, walnuts, or pistachios (for the “tree trunk”)
- 1 star-shaped cracker or slice of yellow bell pepper (for the tree topper)
For Serving:
- Crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables (carrots, celery, cucumber, etc.)
Instructions:
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Make the Cheese Ball:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled feta or goat cheese (if using), chopped green onions or chives, red bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Use a spatula or hand mixer to blend everything together until smooth and well combined.
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Shape the Tree:
- Once your cheese mixture is well-combined, transfer it to a piece of plastic wrap or wax paper. Use your hands to form it into the shape of a Christmas tree. Start with a large base and then taper it toward the top to create the tree shape. You can make the tree as big or small as you like.
- After shaping the cheese ball, wrap it tightly in the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours) to firm up and make it easier to decorate.
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Decorate the Tree:
- Once the cheese ball has firmed up, remove it from the refrigerator. Carefully place it onto a serving platter.
- Begin decorating the tree: use finely chopped red and green bell peppers for the “ornaments” (arrange them randomly on the tree).
- Spread chopped parsley or chives around the tree to create the “branches.”
- For the trunk, sprinkle crushed nuts like pecans, walnuts, or pistachios at the bottom of the tree.
- Top the tree with a star-shaped cracker or a slice of yellow bell pepper for the tree topper.
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Serve:
- Serve your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables. It’s great for dipping and spreading!
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the cheese ball up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you're ready to serve.
- Customize the Decorations: Feel free to get creative with the decorations. You can use small cheese cubes, dried cranberries, or olives for different “ornament” ideas.
- For a Sweeter Version: You can swap out some of the savory ingredients and add dried cranberries or chopped apples for a sweeter variation.
This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball will be the star of your holiday spread, offering a delicious and festive treat that everyone will enjoy!