Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Name: Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients: 24 oz Philadelphia ((680g)); 7 oz shredded cheese (I used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar) ((200oz)); 1/2 tbsp black pepper; 1/2 tbsp garlic powder; 2.8 oz shelled pistachios ((80g)); handful of dried cranberries

December 15, 2018 (Last Updated: October 8, 2019)

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Last Updated on October 8, 2019 by Slow The Cook Down

This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is an easy and fun recipe – perfect for a holiday appetizer or a finger food for a holiday party. A simple cream cheese mix is covered in pistachios and cranberries and can be made ahead of time for easy entertaining.

Hands up who is ready for Christmas?! I’ll be honest, there has been zero preparation in our house, but it’s just going to be the two of us this year and two weeks off will mainly consist of staying in PJs, playing video games and eating and drinking without worry….PERFECT!

I thought I’d get into the festive spirit though with this Christmas Tree Cheese Ball. Super easy and fun to make and a perfect centre piece for fuss free entertaining. It’s no secret I love cheese, and if you like it as much as me, be sure to check out my Marinated Feta Cheese and Crostini Canapés with Goats Cheese & Roasted Peppers, both perfect for easy entertaining.

To Make This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball, You Will Need:

You just need a few simple ingredients to make this yummy Christmas appetizer!

Cream cheese: Like Philadelphia.
Shredded cheese: I used a mix of mozzarella and cheddar
Black pepper and garlic powder
Pistachios and dried cranberries

How To Make a Christmas Tree Cheese Ball – Step by Step

The beauty of this Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is that it’s super freakin’ easy to make, and it can also be made ahead of time so you’re not slaving in the kitchen and ignoring your guests. Simply mix the cheeses and seasonings together, place on clingfilm and mould with your hands to form a Christmas Tree shape. Leave it in the fridge to chill for about an hour, then press in the pistachio bits and dried cranberries. Easy peasy!

In a bowl, mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, pepper and garlic powder.
Lay some clingfilm flat on a work surface, and then lay another piece across the top to form an ‘+’ shape.
Place the cheese mixture in the centre of the clingfilm, and bring the clingfilm up to cover the cheese. Using your hands, for the cheese into a Christmas tree shape. Put in the fridge for at least 60 minutes to chill.
While the cheese is chilling, put the pistachios in a zip lock bag and use a rolling pin to break them up. You don’t want to create crumbs, rather just break them into smaller pieces.
When ready, take the cheese out of the fridge and unwrap the cling film. Press the pistachio pieces into the tree to cover the surface. Then, press in the dried cranberries randomly around.
Place a piece of parchment paper onto a board and put the Christmas tree on top. Cut a star out of a piece of cheddar and place on top. Serve with crackers.

Use This Cream Cheese Christmas Tree Appetizer As Part of a Festive Cheeseboard

While my Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is impressive by itself, if you have a tonne of guests you could use this as a centrepiece for a larger cheese board or charcuterie board. Add a mixture of blue and hard cheeses, cured meat, dried fruit and nuts and you will have yourself a banging platter!

Make Ahead Holiday Appetizer

Once you have made the Christmas Tree Cheese Ball, you can keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours, giving you plenty of time to get party ready. It’s the perfect option if you are entertaining, just bring it out of the fridge about 10 minutes before you want to serve it.

My Christmas Cheese Ball Is Made For Sharing!

We know at Slow The Cook Down, I’m all about maximum flavor with less effort, and this cheese appetizer is exactly that. It’s super easy to put this together and it’s certainly enough to feed a crowd. It’s so fun to share and kids and adults of all ages are going to love it!

Top Tips to Make A Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Ensure that you use enough plastic wrap to fully cover the cheese when you are shaping it.
Let the cheese sit in the fridge for at least an hour before you add the pistachios and cranberries.
Take the cheese tree out of the fridge about 5-10 minutes before serving it.
Place the cheese tree on parchment when you serve it on a board for easy clean up.
You can make this 24 hours ahead of time – cover in plastic wrap and keep refrigerated.

If you are looking for more Christmas menu inspiration, be sure to check out these posts!

HAPPY CHEESEMAS!!

I love hearing from you!! If you have tried this yummy Christmas Tree Cheese Ball recipe, be sure to scroll down, give it a star rating and let me know what you thought!

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