Are you ready to impress? Check out this Christmas tree cheeseball! It is a cheeseball that is shaped to look like a Christmas tree. Elegant, a stunning centerpiece and so delicious down to the last few bites. Serve up your tree-shaped cheeseball with crackers, crisp veggies, and more.
I am a sucker for a homemade cheeseball, and I wanted to elevate the looks this year for the holiday parties and events. So here is my masterpiece. She is such a beauty, and gusts devoured the cheeseball.
Check out: Wreath cheeseball and my Rudolph cheeseball platter. Both are a must for holiday entertaining as well.
Reasons You Will Love This Christmas Tree Cheeseball
- A holiday cheeseball that is unique and different so it stands out from the rest of the appetizers you will be serving.
- Gorgeous presentation value and it isn’t hard to make. You can impress without the stress of making something difficult.
- A flavorful homemade cheeseball that tastes delicious. Guests and family will devour this appetizer.
- This Christmas cheese ball is make-ahead friendly. So prep the night before you plan to serve!
- Versatile in how you serve it up, the items you place on the cheeseball to decorate it, and more.
Ingredients Used
Cream Cheese – It is very important you use softened room-temperature cream cheese. You want the cream cheese to mix well with the other ingredients in the cheeseball.
Ranch Mix – Dry-powered ranch mix is the flavor of this cheeseball. Make sure that you use a dry packet and not liquid ranch.
Cheese – Shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice tangy component to the cheeseball recipe. You will also use a cube of cheese you slice into a star for the topper.
Green Onions – Green onions are used for adding extra flavor to the cheeseball base.
Parsley – Parsley that is freshly chopped is what you will use for coating the outside of the cheeseball to give it that tree look.
Almonds – Sliced almonds are used to mimic garland draped around the cheeseball.
Peppers – So I used little diced-up peppers to mimic Christmas lights on the tree. It elevated the look.
Variations
Flavor – You are welcome to flavor the cheeseball with other spices or herbs if you are not a huge fan of ranch flavors. Feel free to alter the flavors as you need.
Meat – You can dice and add in chopped bacon, chopped dried beef, etc. Feel free to add meat if you want it to be a bit heartier in flavor.
Cheese – So I used cheddar cheese but you can swap it with pepper jack, sharp cheddar, etc. Any type of cheese will work for the base of the cheeseball.
Nuts – Pine nuts or even cashews could be used to replace the slivered almonds to replace them. The pine nuts I think offer a gorgeous presentation value.
Dried Fruits – Consider dried fruits like cranberries or even dried apricots to decorate the Christmas tree. Or if you want even more sweet and savory then mix in some with the cream cheese mixture.
Vegetables – Black olives, diced tomatoes, peppers, or other veggies to add to the decorations to the outside. Feel free to play around with what you want to decorate on the Christmas tree cheeseball.
What To Serve With The Cheeseball
So you can serve sliced meats, bagels, crackers, chips, crisp veggies, and more for dipping and spreading the cheeseball on. Now if you are looking for more appetizers to pair with your cheeseball let me share a few of my favorites!
Pair your cheeseball with these easy crockpot Kielbasa bites, Monte Cristo sliders, or even this Christmas spinach dip bread.
Tips for Making Cheeseballs
Softened Cream Cheese
The cream cheese has to be softened or you will get an inconsistent flavor to the cheeseball mixture. If you forgot to set out the cream cheese then get a bowl of WARM not hot water and place the cream cheese in the bowl for 5-10 minutes. Keep the cream cheese in the foil wrapper.
Squeeze the cream cheese and if it still feels too firm repeat with more warm water for another 5 minutes.
Mix Evenly
Make sure to mix the ingredients evenly as you can get inconsistent flavors if you don’t mix well enough. The spices must be mixed all over so each bite has the same flavor.
Shaping A Cheeseball
Wrapping the cheeseball mixture in plastic wrap is going to allow you to work on shaping the cheeseball without making a mess on your hands. I have always used plastic wrap and it works like a charm.
Chill
Make sure that you allow the cheeseball to chill and set up firmly. If you don’t you will find the cheeseball can over time lose shape. You will also get the best flavor to allow the seasonings to blend with the cream cheese, shredded cheese, etc.
Decorating
You are more than welcome to decorate your tree any way you want. If you don’t like nuts feel free to leave them off. Then you will add whatever decorations you would like. I just recommend that all the items added are edible.
Storing
Keep your Christmas tree cheeseball covered in a sealed container. Or make sure to cover it with plastic wrap. Then store for around 3-4 days in the fridge. The green onions and parsley will be what spoils in the recipe.
Due to the dairy I do not recommend freezing the cheeseball for later.
FAQs
How do I make a vegan or dairy-free Christmas tree cheeseball?
You will be able to swap out any of your ingredients with vegan-friendly or your choice of dairy-free items. Then just assemble the same way. If you find the texture is off then adjust the ingredients to create the proper texture.
What can I use as a base for my Christmas tree cheeseball?
Cream cheese is typically the base for a cheeseball but you can add in some sour cream or even Greek plain yogurt to create a creamier texture if you would like. Adding either of those ingredients will also make the cheeseball a bit more tangy in terms of flavor.
Can I make a Christmas tree cheeseball in advance?
Go right ahead and make it a day ahead of time if you would like. You can keep off the parsley and decor items or you can fully decorate and then keep in the fridge covered until ready to serve. The choice is up to you.
More Easy Appetizers
Christmas Tree Cheeseball
Ingredients
For the cheeseball:
- 32 oz cream cheese softened to room temperature
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sliced green onions
- 2 1oz packets dry ranch seasoning
For the decorating:
- ½ cup finely chopped parsley
- ¼ cup sliced almonds
- 2-3 tablespoons finely diced bell peppers in red orange and yellow
- 1 piece of sharp cheddar cheese cut with a star cookie cutter
- 1 toothpick
Items For Serving
- optional Variety of crackers, pretzels, small party bread slices and cold cut meats
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 chopped parsley into the sides of the tree until covered.
- Create a “strand” of Christmas lights by pressing the almonds around the tree in a row.
- Decorate the tree with the diced bell peppers as the ornaments.
- 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 place the cheese star on top with a toothpick.
- Serve with crackers and meats, enjoy!
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