Create a stunning edible centerpiece with our Cheese Ball Wreath recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this festive and delicious appetizer is the perfect way to impress your guests. It is so easy it comes together with almost no effort.
Christmas Cheese Ball
This Cheese Ball Wreath recipe is a real treat for your Christmas gathering! Picture creamy cheese balls filled with yummy herbs and spices, all beautifully arranged in the shape of a wreath. It's super easy to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy the company of your family and friends. Not only does it taste fantastic, but it also adds a festive touch to your holiday feast. It's the perfect addition to your festive festivities, spreading joy and mouthwatering memories around the table.
Why You'll Love It
- Deliciously Savory: The cheese balls are a burst of creamy, savory flavor in every bite.
- Easy to Make: Simple steps mean less time in the kitchen and more time with loved ones.
- Festive Decor: It adds a decorative touch to your holiday table with its wreath shape.
- Impress Your Guests: Your friends and family will be wowed by this edible masterpiece.
- Memorable Moments: It's not just a recipe; it's a way to create joyful memories at your Christmas gathering.
Cheese Ball Wreath Ingredients
- Cream cheese
- Sharp white cheddar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed black pepper
- Dried cranberries
- Pecans
- Fresh herbs
How to Make Christmas Cheese Ball
Make the Cheese Ball Mixture: Prep a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper together in a bowl with a mixer. Place it in the refrigerator until it is firm and easier to handle.
Make the Cheese Balls: Make balls that are about 1 tablespoon in size and place them on the baking tray. Place the cranberries, pecans, and herbs on separate plates. Then roll ⅓ of the cheese balls in the cranberries, ⅓ in the pecans, and the final ⅓ in the fresh herbs.
Make the Wreath: Arrange the cheese balls in the wreath shape on a large platter or board. Decorate with fresh sprigs of herbs. Serve with crackers and crostinis.
Tips for a Making Cheese Ball Wreath
- Make sure to use a full-fat cream cheese bricks. The spreadable cream cheese that comes in the tubs will not work for cheese balls. It will not hold the shape.
- I am using sharp white cheddar, but you can also use medium cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, pepper jack, and parmesan cheese. I recommend using block cheese that you shred yourself, instead of the pre-shredded cheese.
- I find the easiest way to chop the toppings is to use a food processor.
- If you want to use something other than pecans, you can use walnuts or pistachios.
- For fresh herbs, I used Italian parsley and chives for the cheese balls and bay leaves, rosemary, and sage leaves as garnish.
How Far in Advance Can I Make the Cheese Ball Wreath?
The cheese balls can be assembled 24 hours in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The wreath can be assembled up to two hours before serving and stored in the fridge.
Can I Customize the Flavors of the Cheese Balls?
Absolutely! You can get creative with your favorite herbs, spices, and cheese combinations to tailor the flavors to your liking.
What Should I Serve the Christmas Cheese Ball Wreath with?
Serve it with an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies for dipping. It's also great with a side of fruit preserves or chutney.
Can I Make the Cheese Balls in Advance and Freeze Them?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese balls for longer storage. Just thaw them in the refrigerator before assembling the wreath.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If there are any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to seven days. If the platter has been sitting at room temperature for longer than two hours, I do not recommend keeping the leftovers for food safety reasons.
More Christmas Appetizers
- Christmas Tree Appetizer That's Unbelievably Easy To Make
- Candy Cane Christmas Charcuterie Board
- Transform Antipasto Skewers into a Christmas Wreath
- Easy Holiday Appetizer Board
Cheese Ball Wreath
Create a stunning edible centerpiece with our Cheese Ball Wreath recipe. Perfect for holiday gatherings, this festive and delicious appetizer is the perfect way to impress your guests. It is so easy it comes together with almost no effort.
Ingredients
- 24 ounces cream cheese, room temperature (3 blocks)
- 1 ½ cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
- 1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- ¾ cup pecans, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh herbs, finely chopped
- Additional fresh herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper with a mixer.
- Place it in the refrigerator for about 15 minutes so it is easier to handle.
- Using a cookie scoop or tablespoon, roll about 1 tablespoon balls and place them on the baking tray.
- Put the cranberries, pecans, and herbs on 3 small plates.
- Roll ⅓ of the cheese balls in the cranberries, ⅓ in the pecans, and the final ⅓ in the fresh herbs.
- Arrange the cheese balls in a wreath shape on a large round platter or board. Decorate with fresh sprigs of herbs.
- Serve chilled with your favorite crackers or crostinis.