Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

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This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a festive, creamy appetizer shaped like a holiday tree and decorated with colorful, edible garnishes for a fun, crowd-pleasing centerpiece.

Prep Time30

Chill Time30

Total Time1

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheese ball, christmas cheese appetizer

Servings: servings

Calories: 486kcal

Author: Tara Noland

Equipment

Ingredients

Cream Cheese Mixture

16 oz cream cheese softened
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/3 cup fresh parsley chopped and packed
1/4 cup chopped green onion green part only
1/2 tsp garlic powder
3 cups shredded white cheddar

Toppings

A small piece of cheddar to make the star
2-3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
6-8 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
1/2 cup fresh parsley packed and thinly chopped
2 tbsp dried cranberries
1/4 cup sliced almonds
1 cup pretzels to serve
1 cup Ritz crackers to serve

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients for the cream cheese mixture, except shredded cheddar, in a stand mixer until smooth.
Incorporate shredded cheddar with a spatula until well combined.
Use your hands to shape the mixture into a cone or triangle that looks like a Christmas tree.
Press the chopped parsley into the cheese tree until fully coated. This part can get messy, so wash or wipe your hands as needed to keep the shape clean. Refrigerate the cheese tree for 30–60 minutes, or until firm.
Once set, decorate it however you like. We created garlands with sliced almonds and added “ornaments” using dried cranberries and halved cherry tomatoes. A few rosemary leaves help give the tree a more realistic look.
For the star on top, simply cut a small piece of cheddar using a mini cookie cutter.
Serve with pretzels and Ritz crackers on the side.

Notes

See the post for more information, photos and tips.

Nutrition