Description
This festive Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a delightful holiday appetizer, shaped and decorated to resemble a Christmas tree. Made with a blend of cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, seasoned with herbs and spices, and adorned with colorful bell peppers, nuts, and fresh parsley, it’s perfect for holiday parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 3 x 8 ounce (225g) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Seasonings and Herbs
- 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
- Mix Cheeses and Seasonings: In a large bowl, using a hand mixer, beat together the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheese until well combined. Add 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt, then beat again until the mixture is evenly blended.
- Shape and Chill: Transfer the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap. Tightly cover and shape it into a cone resembling a Christmas tree. Refrigerate the shaped cheese ball for at least 2-3 hours, preferably overnight, to firm up.
- Decorate the Tree Base: Remove the chilled cheese cone from the plastic wrap and place it onto a serving plate. Lightly press chopped fresh parsley into the cheese surface. Dot pine nuts over the parsley to mimic string lights on the tree.
- Add Ornaments: Decorate the tree further with diced yellow and red bell pepper pieces and chopped pistachios to resemble Christmas ornaments. Fill in any gaps with more fresh parsley, pressing it gently into the cheese.
- Create and Attach the Star: Using a small cookie cutter, cut a star shape from a thick slice of firm cheese. Secure the cheese star at the top of the tree with a toothpick to keep it in place.
- Serve: Pair the decorated cheese ball with crackers, bread, or sturdy chips for guests to enjoy as a festive and flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- For best flavor, allow the cheese ball to chill overnight so the seasonings meld thoroughly.
- You can substitute the pine nuts and pistachios with other nuts or seeds based on preference or allergies.
- If you don’t have a cookie cutter for the star, you can carefully cut a star shape using a small knife.
- Serves approximately 20 as an appetizer.
- Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days.
