Description
This festive Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a delightful and visually stunning appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, fresh herbs, shredded cheeses, bacon bits, and pickles, it is shaped into a tree-like cone and decorated with colorful olives, cherry tomatoes, red pepper stars, and fresh rosemary sprigs to mimic a beautifully adorned Christmas tree. Served with toasted bread or crackers, this recipe combines ease of preparation with impressive presentation to delight your guests throughout the season.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 24 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup pre-cooked bacon bits (or chopped pepperoni)
- 1/4 cup diced dill pickles
Decorations
- 4 ounces kalamata olives (halved)
- 4 ounces green olives (halved)
- 4 ounces cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 medium red bell pepper (thinly sliced with additional pieces cut into small stars)
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary (for decorating)
- 1 thick slice white cheddar or mozzarella cheese (cut into a 1-2 inch star)
- Toasted bread or crackers (for dipping)
Instructions
- Mix Cream Cheese and Herbs: Using a stand mixer or hand mixer with a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped chives, chopped parsley, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix on medium-high speed for 2 to 4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Fold in Cheeses and Add-ins: Remove the bowl from the mixer. Gently fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, pre-cooked bacon bits (or chopped pepperoni), and diced dill pickles using a spatula until evenly incorporated.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay a piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface. Scoop the cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap and shape it into a cone resembling a Christmas tree. Pull up the sides of the plastic wrap to cover the mixture entirely and use your hands to smooth and perfect the tree shape. If needed, use a second piece of plastic wrap to secure the ends and maintain shape.
- Chill the Cheese Ball: Transfer the wrapped cheese ball to the refrigerator and chill for at least 2 to 3 hours until firm and set.
- Prepare for Decorating: Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. Make any necessary adjustments to the shape, such as slicing the base flat for stability. Carefully remove the plastic wrap and place the cheese ball tree onto your desired serving plate.
- Decorate with Ornaments: Arrange the halved kalamata olives, green olives, cherry tomatoes, and small red pepper stars on the cheese ball to mimic Christmas tree ornaments. Create a garland effect by wrapping thin slices of red bell pepper around the tree. Use toothpicks cut in half if needed to secure decorations firmly into the cheese.
- Add Rosemary Sprigs: Poke small holes into the cheese ball in empty spaces using a toothpick and insert rosemary sprigs to simulate pine needles for a festive touch.
- Top with Cheese Star: Spear the cut white cheddar or mozzarella star with a toothpick and place it on the top peak of the cheese ball tree to complete the look.
- Serve: Present the decorated Christmas Tree Cheese Ball alongside toasted bread and crackers for dipping and enjoy as a holiday appetizer.
Notes
- Chilling time is essential to allow the cheese ball to firm up and hold its shape when decorated.
- For a vegetarian option, omit bacon bits or substitute with finely chopped vegetables or vegetarian bacon alternatives.
- Use fresh herbs to enhance flavor and visual appeal.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth texture.
- Adjust garlic and onion powder quantities to your taste preference.
- The cheese star on top can be made using any firm cheese slice cut into a star shape.
- To speed chilling, place the wrapped cheese ball in the freezer for 1 hour but monitor closely to avoid freezing completely.
