Get ready to be the star of your holiday party with the most Instagram-worthy appetizer that'll have everyone talking! This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is not just a delicious snack - it's a festive masterpiece that combines creamy cheese, crunchy nuts, and a whimsical design that screams holiday cheer. Imagine presenting a cheese ball that looks like a miniature edible Christmas tree, complete with "ornaments" and "leaves" that will make your guests do a double-take. Whether you're hosting a family gathering or a festive get-together, this show-stopping appetizer is guaranteed to be the talk of the event!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a hand mixer or a spatula to blend the cheeses together until they are well combined and creamy.
- Add the chopped green onions, chopped walnuts, and garlic powder to the cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a cone shape resembling a Christmas tree. You can do this by forming a larger base and tapering it towards the top. Place the shaped cheese ball onto a serving platter.
- To give the cheese ball a festive look, use fresh parsley to create "leaves" on the tree. You can stick the parsley into the cheese ball or sprinkle it around the base for decoration.
- For added decoration, you can use small pieces of red bell pepper or cherry tomatoes to represent ornaments on the tree. Simply press them gently into the cheese ball.
- Once decorated, cover the cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
- Before serving, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to soften slightly. Serve with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is fully softened at room temperature for the smoothest, creamiest texture.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor - especially the green onions and parsley.
- When shaping the tree, use clean, slightly dampened hands to help the cheese mixture hold its shape.
- For a more defined tree shape, use a piece of parchment paper to help mold and smooth the sides.
- Get creative with your "ornament" decorations - cherry tomatoes, small peppers, or even colored cheese cubes can add extra festive flair.
- Make the cheese ball a day ahead to allow flavors to meld and for easier shaping and decorating.
- Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving to soften slightly and enhance the flavors.
- Provide a variety of dipping options like crisp crackers, toasted baguette slices, and fresh vegetable sticks.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
