Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

While Christmas cookies are a staple holiday food group, our family likes to indulge in some savory Christmas treats as well. This Christmas tree appetizer blends cream cheese, cheddar, and spices, for a festive snack you can serve at a party or just enjoy before your Christmas dinner.

To make this cheeseball, all you need are a few minutes, some clean hands, and lots of fresh green parsley! Only a few steps, minimal ingredients, and you’ve got a party-friendly recipe in no time.

Ingredients

• 16 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• Red and yellow peppers for decorating

How To Shape A Cheese Ball Christmas Tree

When the ingredients for this Christmas cheese ball have been blended together, everything is pretty soft. To make the Christmas tree shape, I recommend wrapping the cheese ball in plastic wrap and placing it in the freezer for 30 minutes or in the refrigerator for about 2 hours. 

Once it has chilled, it will be easier to mold into a Christmas tree shape. You can also start the shaping process with the plastic wrap still on, to save your hands from the mess. 

Instructions

Here are all the steps you need to make this fun and festive Christmas cheese ball. Each step takes very little time and this entire recipe comes together in barely 30 minutes. And that includes the chill time!

Step 1 – Combine the Ingredients

Add the cream cheese, cheddar, Worcestershire, and spices to a large bowl. 

Step 2 – Mix the Ingredients

Using a wooden spoon, mix until all of the ingredients are fully combined.

Step 3 – Wrap the Ball in Plastic Wrap and Chill

Cover the ball in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. 

Step 4 – Prep the Decorations

While the cheese ball is chilling, chop up some of your bell pepper to use as decor. You can slice the rest to serve with the cheese ball. 

Finely chop the parsley and set it on a piece of parchment paper in a single layer.

Step 5 – Shape the Christmas Tree

Once the cheese ball has chilled, shape it into a cone shape like a Christmas tree.

Step 6 – Coat and Decorate

Place the Christmas tree cheese ball in the parsley and roll it to coat everything evenly.

Use small pieces of bell pepper to create light strands around the tree. You can always patch any bare spots with more parsley before serving.

Step 7 – Serve and Enjoy!

Serve this cheese ball with raw veggies, crackers, pretzels, or little pieces of toasted bread.

Cookware Used

These are the items I used to make this cheese ball recipe. I love that it has very few dishes and requires only minimal cleanup.

Large bowl: Be sure it has room for all of the ingredients and extra room to stir them all together. Shredded cheese will fly across the kitchen if the bowl isn’t big enough!

Flat Wooden Spoon: I like a wooden spoon to mix this cheese ball. You could also use a hefty silicone spatula instead.

Food Processor: I did not use a food processor, but you can absolutely use one if you want to make blending the ingredients easier and create a more creamy texture.

Can I Make This Christmas Cheese Ball Ahead?

You can make this well ahead of time! This is actually a great make-ahead recipe b because it keeps really well in the fridge. Just follow steps 1-3 above, and instead of placing the wrapped cheese ball in the freezer, place it in the refrigerator. It will last about 5-7 days.

When you’re ready to serve, follow steps 4-7 and enjoy!

Snowman Christmas Cheese Ball

Make another festive cheese ball shape by turning this into a snowman instead of a Christmas tree. Use the same ingredients as above, but omit the parsley and peppers. Instead, grab about a cup of fine or fancy shredded mozzarella cheese and some black olives. 

Follow steps 1-3 above. After chilling, roll the dough into two balls, one slightly larger than the other. Coat both balls in shredded mozzarella cheese. Using a straw, cut small circles out of the black olives to create eyes, a mouth, and some buttons.

Cheese Ball Ingredient Ideas

You don’t have to stick to these same ingredients when you make this cheese ball yourself! Try a few of these flavor ideas and make this recipe your own.

• Add ¼ cup basil pesto to the cheese mixture
• Use sundried tomatoes as decorations
• Add 2 tablespoons of grated onion to amp up the flavor
• Try a few dashes of hot sauce for some extra heat
• Use pine nuts or almonds as lights around the Christmas tree
• Try adding some cilantro to the Christmas tree exterior

Now, It’s Your Turn!

I hope your friends and family think this Christmas tree cheese ball is as adorably festive as mine do! Don’t forget to leave yourself some chill time if you’re planning this for a party. Or save yourself the stress altogether and make it days ahead!

Get creative with the spices and toppings, and absolutely let your kids get in on the decorating fun. This is very family-friendly and low-stress; the perfect holiday recipe!

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