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This Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a budget-friendly appetizer that transforms your festive spread into a stunning centerpiece. It brings together creamy cheeses and bright flavors with colorful toppings to make a fun and delicious holiday treat everyone will love.
I first made this recipe for a holiday potluck and it was an instant hit. Now I bring it every year because it adds charm to the table and tastes amazing.
Ingredients
- Cream Cheese: fullfat is best for richness and smooth texture, but lowfat works if preferred
- Parmesan Cheese: freshly grated for savory depth and balance
- Cheddar Cheese: bright orange type for the decorative star on top, adds visual appeal
- Pesto Sauce: storebought or homemade brings herby vibrancy and color
- SunDried Tomatoes: packed in oil add tangy sweetness and chewiness
- Olives: halved and patted dry provide texture and bold flavor for decoration
- Dried onion garlic powder oregano: pantry staples for seasoning and aroma, fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme make a lovely garnish
Instructions
- Blend the Base:
- Start with softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth and creamy. Stir in grated parmesan cheese followed by pesto sauce. Chop sunDried tomatoes finely and mix those in along with dried onion, garlic powder, and oregano to create a flavorful cheese mixture.
- Shape the Cheese Ball:
- Place a sheet of parchment paper on your serving tray. Using your hands, shape the cheese mixture into a cone resembling a Christmas tree. Make sure the base is wide and stable while the top tapers to a point for the tree shape.
- Decorate the Tree:
- Press halved olives firmly into the cheese ball to simulate ornaments. Fill spaces with additional chopped sunDried tomatoes for bright pops of color. Be sure all the decorations adhere well to the surface to prevent falling off.
- Chill for Firmness:
- Cover the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Refrigerate for three to four hours or until firm to the touch. This chilling step helps maintain the shape and enhances flavor melding.
- Final Touches:
- Remove the cheese ball from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Add fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme strategically as if they are tree branches. Top the peak with a star cut out of cheddar cheese for that festive finishing touch.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Place alongside an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, and fresh vegetable sticks for guests to enjoy scooping and nibbling. This centerpiece will be the talk of your holiday party.
Olives are my favorite part they add a briny burst that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy cheese. I remember making this with my family one Christmas eve and laughing as we tried to place the olives just right to make it look perfect. It made the night feel even more special.
Storage tips
Store leftovers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to three days. Let it soften slightly at room temperature before serving again for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have sunDried tomatoes, finely chopped roasted red peppers work well to add a sweet, smoky flavor. Try green olives or a mix of black and green for variety. Basil pesto can be swapped with sunDried tomato pesto or tapenade to change up the taste profile while keeping the festive spirit.
Serving suggestions
Pair this cheese ball with a selection of rustic crackers, toasted baguette slices, or crispy breadsticks. Fresh vegetable crudites such as celery, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices make a colorful and crunchy side. A glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with citrus enhances the tastes beautifully.
This antipasto Christmas tree cheese ball is easy to prepare ahead and makes a memorable holiday centerpiece. Enjoy with crackers and friends for a festive bite.
Your Recipe Questions Answered
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
Full-fat cream cheese, grated parmesan, and cheddar are combined to form the base and decorative star on top.
- → How do I achieve the Christmas tree shape?
Shape the mixed cheese blend into a cone on parchment paper, then press olives and sun-dried tomatoes around it to mimic tree foliage.
- → Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, store-bought pesto works well, but homemade versions can add a fresher flavor.
- → How long should the cheese ball chill?
Refrigerate the shaped cheese ball for 3 to 4 hours to firm up before serving.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Assorted crackers, breadsticks, and fresh vegetables complement this centerpiece perfectly.