Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Tree Cheeseball, a creamy blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and savory seasonings shaped into a charming tree and garnished with colorful vegetables and nuts. Perfect for parties and gatherings, this no-cook appetizer pairs delightfully with crackers and pretzels.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheeseball Base
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
- 4 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, chopped
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 yellow pepper, chopped and cut into a star shape
To Serve
- Assorted crackers and pretzels
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheeseball Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, drained diced pimientos, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up for easy shaping.
- Shape the Cheeseball: Once chilled, remove from the refrigerator and roll the mixture onto a serving platter, pressing it carefully into the shape of a Christmas tree, ensuring an even thickness and a defined tree shape.
- Garnish the Tree: Decorate the cheeseball Christmas tree starting with halved cherry tomatoes placed evenly to resemble ornaments. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the surface to mimic pine needles. Add sliced almonds as additional decorations and position the yellow pepper star at the top as the tree topper.
- Serve: Present the decorated Christmas Tree Cheeseball with an assortment of crackers and pretzels for guests to enjoy as a festive holiday appetizer.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
- For a sharper flavor, use extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- The cheeseball can be made a day ahead and refrigerated until serving.
- Use fresh herbs and vegetables for the best visual appeal and flavor.
- Substitute sliced almonds with chopped walnuts or pecans if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of cheeseball with crackers
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
