Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links. Please Read Our Disclosure PolicyThis Christmas Tree Cheeseball just might be the most festive and delicious holiday appetizer recipe!
With just a few days till Christmas, I have a few last-minute ideas to share with you this week as we finish getting ready for the big day! Today I’m kicking things off with my Christmas Tree Cheese Ball. Let’s dig in!
I wish I could take complete credit for this creative and festive Christmas Tree Cheeseball, but I can’t. The truth is I saw a few of these on the internet this past week, and I couldn’t resist making my own version.
It seemed especially appropriate given the popularity of the Everything Bagel Cheese Ball I shared this fall. I figured it needed a sidekick for the season!
If you’re a longtime follower of Inspired by Charm, you’ll know that cheese is one of my favorite foods and probably the reason I’ll never have six-pack abs. (But I’m okay with that. Bring on the cheese!) Although it might be a bit of a throwback, I still love a cheeseball for entertaining. And with a few creative touches, it doesn’t have to be staid and boring. You can make mini cheese balls or shape them into apples or pumpkins. Today, a Christmas tree is our inspiration!
How to Make a Christmas Tree Cheese ball:
This cheese ball starts with a flavorful mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, pimientos, and spices.
Once these ingredients are well combined, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before shaping. This will make working with it much easier. I created the tree shape using my hands (in a v-shape with palms together) on a clean kitchen counter. Just roll the mixture back and forth and shape as you go.
Once your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is formed, you’re ready to decorate. I recommend starting with tomatoes, then adding chopped parsley, followed by almonds and red pepper.
As you can probably see, I added the almonds before the parsley and this was a bit more challenging. Also, feel free to use whatever garnishes you like. I found that tomatoes, almonds, and peppers work well with the flavors of the cheeseball, but decorate your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with whatever suits you.
Festive Christmas Tree Cheeseball:
Two quick tips. First, use a yellow pepper to create the star on top of the tree. I found it easier to cut out the star with kitchen shears rather than a knife. Second, if any parsley sticks to the almonds or tomatoes, gently brush it off with a clean pastry brush.
Your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is now ready to serve. I promise it will be the merriest appetizer on your table!
Voila! Christmas appetizer perfected!
While it takes a bit longer to put together (maybe an extra 10 minutes), I think the results are well worth it. Your guests will definitely be impressed with the special touch of holiday merriment. Enjoy!
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe:
Christmas Tree Cheeseball
Ingredients
- 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese softened
- 4 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions chopped
- 1 jar (4 ounces) diced pimientos, drained
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Garnish
- 12 cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1 yellow pepper chopped and cut into a star
- Assorted crackers and pretzels
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fully. Beat in cheddar cheese, onions, pimientos, butter, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
- Roll and press the cheese ball mixture into the shape of a Christmas tree.
- Garnish first with the cherry tomato halves, then add parsley, followed by the sliced almonds and peppers.
- Serve with assorted crackers and pretzels.
I absolutely love your Christmas tree cheese ball – so pretty, and looks gorgeous on the pedestal. I printed it out and hope to try it this Christmas! thank you! Patty
Yay! Enjoy the recipe!!
xo Michael
I made this for our company’s Christmas party. It turned out great- everyone loved it! Especially how it looked!
This is so cute! Can you make a few hours ahead of time?
What is the melted butter for?!?!?!
It gets mixed in with the other ingredients. Did you read the recipe instructions?
xo Michael
I made this the other night and it was absolutely stunning! My daughter was convinced that I couldn’t have made it -lol! It was equally delicious!!! Thank you so much!!!
Another beautiful gift for my friends and hosts at Christmas. Sounds delicious. Thanks so much for sharing your talents and inspiring us all!
This is perfect! I love your style with Christmas. Thanks for the cheese ball Christmas Tree recipe! I think this will become part of my Christmas tradition…
How many does this serve?
I’m wondering the same thing.
It varies. Are you only serving this? How hungry are people? Etc. I’d say 20ish.
xo Michael
I love all your recipes! And, your photography is amazing. Would love a photography tutorial post! Happy Thursday! laura in CO
This was such a hit! And SO delicious too!!
Made this for our Christmas Day celebration and everyone was totally wowed!!! 🙂 Thanks for the fun idea and great recipe
I made your Christmas Tree Cheeseball!! It was a hit!! So cute and delish🎄💕 it was SO FESTIVE and made the day brighter. thanks for the inspiration 😀🎄💖
Adorable! Thanks for sharing.
After finding your gorgeous Xmas Tree Cheeseball, I looked through all of your recipes & found many I’ll be trying. You’re very talented in cooking, crafts and decorating. Keep up the great work. Have a Merry Xmas!
I would eat it as I am making and would have only the cheese star left…
It looks so good!
Yes!! I’m totally making this. Adorable and looks yummy too! 🙂
My grandchildren love cheese balls. What a cute new way to do it with them. Thanks Michael. Merry Christmas!!!!
I love this! So cute and doable, too! 🙂 I hope you have a very Merry Christmas, Michael
You are so amazing!
I love your blog and everything you do!
Can’t wait to see what you come up with next!
Happy Holidays!
So cute!