Description

This festive Christmas Tree Cheeseball is a delightful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Creamy and packed with sharp cheddar cheese, fresh green onions, and savory pimientos, it’s shaped into a charming Christmas tree and garnished with colorful cherry tomatoes, parsley, almonds, and a yellow pepper star. Serve with crackers and pretzels for a crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

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
Assorted crackers and pretzels

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Instructions

Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Gradually incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, drained pimientos, melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.
Chill the Mixture: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour. This chilling step helps the flavors meld and makes the mixture easier to shape.
Shape the Cheeseball: Remove the chilled cheese mixture from the refrigerator. Using your hands, roll and gently press it into the shape of a Christmas tree on a serving platter or plate, ensuring it holds its form.
Garnish the Tree: Decorate the shaped cheeseball first with the halved cherry tomatoes arranged evenly to resemble ornaments. Sprinkle the finely chopped parsley over the tree to mimic greenery. Add the sliced almonds to add texture and visual interest. Place the star-shaped yellow pepper on top as the Christmas tree topper.
Serve: Present the decorated cheeseball with an assortment of crackers and pretzels on the side, ready for guests to enjoy as a festive holiday appetizer.

Notes

For easier shaping, wear disposable gloves when forming the cheeseball.
Make the cheeseball a day ahead to allow flavors to develop fully.
Substitute cheddar cheese with sharp white cheddar or a blend of cheeses for different flavor variations.
Use fresh herbs like chives or dill in place of green onions for a twist.
Keep the cheeseball refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain shape and freshness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/10 of cheeseball with garnish)
Calories: 260
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 340mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 65mg