Antipasto Christmas tree cheese ball is a stunning appetizer for holiday entertaining. A homemade cheeseball that is made with pesto, sundried tomatoes, cream cheese, and more. Then you decorate with a mix of olives, fresh herbs, and more sundried tomatoes and a cheese shaped star on top.
The ultimate extravagant appetizer for wanting to make a statement at your holiday gatherings this Christmas season. Not only is it a gorgeous appetizer but it is so delicious to eat on. Pair with crackers, baguettes, crisp veggies, and more.
Serve up this mistletoe punch to sip on as you enjoy your antipasto appetizer. Or check out my other Christmas tree cheeseball for another festive cheeseball idea to serve up this season.
Reasons You Will Love This Antipasto Christmas Tree
- Easy to make party appetizers that will feed a crowd. Simple everyday ingredients are needed.
- You can make this a day ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Then arrange crackers and such around it and enjoy.
- This appetizer offers a gorgeous presentation value that will wow your family, friends, or guests.
- Kids and adults will both enjoy the flavors of the homemade cheeseball and the olives and tomatoes that are used for decorating.
- Budget-friendly if you are looking for an appetizer to feed a crowd that isn’t going to break the piggy bank.
Ingredients Needed
Cream Cheese – You will find using full-fat cream cheese offers the richest flavor for the cheeseball. But you are more than welcome to use a low-fat cream cheese.
Parmesan and Cheddar – Parmesan cheese compliments the olives and tomatoes well in the recipe. also used an orange cheddar cheese for making a star for the topper of the cheeseball.
Pesto – Make homemade pesto or buy your favorite jarred pesto for the recipe.
Sundried Tomatoes – Find these in the canned tomato aisle. These sundried tomatoes will really enhance the flavor tremendously but also be gorgeous for decorating with.
Olives – I used a variety of olives that I sliced in half. Just make sure to pat dry or they will fall off the cheeseball.
Spices and Herbs – Rosemary and thyme can be used for decorating the tree shape cheeseball. Then I used minced dried onion, garlic powder, and oregano for the cheeseball.
Variations to Recipe
Shape – Feel free to do any shape of the cheeseball if you do not want a tree shape that is okay. You can make a classic round shape as well or even oval.
Garnishes – Feel free to decorate the outside of the cheeseball with fresh basil, sliced cherry tomatoes, olives and even drizzle with oil or balsamic vinegar for a change of look.
Vegan or Dairy Free – Reach for vegan-friendly or your preferred dairy-free ingredients to use to replace the classic ingredients if you need a change in ingredients.
Nuts – Pine nuts, sliced almonds, pecans and more can be used for decorating the outside of the cheeseball for added texture and color.
Meats – Prosciutto, pepperoni, or even salami can be chopped and mixed in the cheeseball or you can used to place meats around the tray for spreading the cheese mixture on and eating.
More Appetizers to Pair With This Cheeseball
Want to serve up other appetizers that will compliment the Christmas tree-shaped antipasto cheeseball? Here are a few more of our favorite finger foods you might enjoy.
Try my easy crockpot kielbasa bites, cheese ball mini wreath, or this Santa snack tray. All are tasty and crowd-approved for great snacking options for all ages.
Tips for Success
Shape of Tree
I recommend wrapping the cheeseball mixture in plastic wrap and then you will use your hands to shape the cheeseball. I was doing a cone shape, and it worked out great for shaping the tree.
Mix Well
Make sure you mix up the cheeseball ingredients well. The cheese has to be softened as it is going to incorporate the ingredients way better. Then once it is well mixed, then you can shape into the cone.
Dry Olives
Pat dry the olives with a paper towel or clean towel. This is going to help ensure the olives stick on the outside of the cheeseball. I find if you skip this step the olives slide off.
Decorating the Christmas Tree
You can use olives, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh herbs, diced veggies, and more for decorating the outside of the cheese ball tree. Feel free to play around with ingredients to find a look that you like the best.
Serving With Crackers
Having crackers, breadsticks, and other items around the tree base is great for guests to know that is what they can eat the cheeseball with. Have fun and create an assortment of items for everyone to pick and choose from.
Storing
If you happen to not eat all the antipasto Christmas tree cheeseball simply wrap it up tightly and store it in the fridge for 2-3 days. You will find it is going to store pretty well but the olives night slowly fall off as they release juices as it sits in the fridge.
If you do not eat all the cheeseball and it begins to spoil simply toss it out. Due to the ingredients, you will find this recipe does not freeze well.
FAQs
Can I use other shapes besides a tree?
Make your cheeseball into any shape you want. From an oval, a circle, to even a snowflake or star! Feel free to be as creative as you feel comfortable with.
What’s the best way to transport the tree to a party or gathering?
Cover the cheeseball tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and place on a tray. Then make sure it stays chilled until you are ready to serve. Just walk carefully as you are carrying the tray to ensure it stays level.
Can I make a smaller or individual-sized tree?
Of course. Feel free to make any size of trees you would like. You are more than welcome to make 3 trees or whatever you have room for.
More Holiday Recipe Ideas
Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheeseball
Ingredients
Cheeseball Ingredients
- 32 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated or shredded
- ½ cup pesto sauce
- ½ cup chopped sundried tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons minced dried onion
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Decorating
- 1 1/2 cups olives halved and patted dry with paper towels
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 slice cheddar cheese cut into a star
- 1 toothpick
- crackers, breasticks, pretzels, etc.
Instructions
- Blend together the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients until well combined.
- Form a tree cone shape out of the mixture onto your serving board or tray.
- Press the olive halves and chopped sundried tomatoes into the sides of the tree until covered.
- Carefully cover with plastic wrap to prevent drying out and refrigerate for 3-4 hours, or until firm.
- When ready to serve, let sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes then add the fresh herb sprigs throughout the tree and place the cheese star on top with a toothpick.
- Serve with crackers and meats, enjoy!
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