Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

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November 29, 2018 By Denay 49 Comments

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Gather around the fire to celebrate the season with a beautiful Christmas tree cheese ball! When hosting a large party, I recommend doubling this recipe. After all, when it comes to holiday appetizers, two cheese balls are better than one!

CHEESE BALL RECIPE

Find everything you need for this yummy cheese ball recipe at Walmart. Before finalizing your grocery list, here’s some additional RO*TEL recipe inspiration: HOLIDAY APPETIZERS. RO*TEL is known for delivering bold, adventurous flavor. It’s an easy way to add a little kick to your favorite holiday recipes.

These are the ingredients you’ll need for the basic cheese ball formation:

Cream cheese
Cheddar cheese
RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies
Bacon, cooked and crispy
Sea salt
Cracked black pepper
Optional: green onions

INGREDIENTS FOR GARNISHING CHEESE BALL

Here’s what you’ll need to decorate a Christmas tree cheese ball:

Fresh parsley
Fresh rosemary
Sliced almonds
Pomegranate seeds
Grape tomatoes
Yellow bell pepper

HOW TO MAKE A CHRISTMAS TREE CHEESE BALL

It’s super easy to make a festive Christmas tree cheese ball.

In a medium mixing bowl, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, and crumbled pieces of bacon.
If desired, add sliced green onion.
With a wooden spoon, mix everything together until fully incorporated.

HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

Always taste your holiday appetizers before serving. This gives you the opportunity to adjust spices, or add an extra sprinkling of one or more ingredients, if needed.

Add salt and pepper to taste.
Transfer the cheese ball mixture to a pastry board or plate.
With clean hands, gather, press and mold the cheese ball into the shape of a standing Christmas tree.

EASY CHEESE BALL RECIPE

Now comes the fun part: decorating your Christmas tree cheese ball! Press chopped parsley around the entire cheese ball.

HOW TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE CHEESE BALL

Recommended decorations for your Christmas tree cheese ball:

Green branches: sprigs of fresh rosemary
Bare branches: sliced almonds
Christmas tree lights: pomegranate ariels
Bulb decorations: grape tomatoes
Star topper: yellow bell-pepper cutout

WHAT TO SERVE WITH A CHEESE BALL

After decorating your cheese ball, it can be enjoyed immediately. However, if you desire a harder consistency refrigerate it for 1-2 hours before serving. Here’s what to serve with your Christmas tree cheese ball:

Variety of crackers
Pretzel sticks
Apple and pear slices
Radishes and carrot sticks
Crostini
Pita Chips
Selection of cured meats

TIPS FOR HOSTING A HOLIDAY APPETIZER PARTY

Hosting a holiday appetizer and cocktail party has a lot of benefits. Unlike a holiday dinner, more guests can fit into a smaller space, and no extra tables, dinnerware or tablescapes are needed. Here are some helpful party tips:

Choose a selection of appetizers that can be prepared in advance.
For a beautiful spread, use a variety of colors and textures.
Make things easy. Serve deli-bought appetizers alongside homemade ones.
Ask guests to bring their favorite appetizer and a drink to share.
Use a variety of serving dishes: round, square, holiday themed.
Give your appetizer table eye-catching dimension! Create levels with tiered trays and cake stands. Use the tops of two wide sturdy candlesticks as the base for a rectangular platter.
A beautiful floral centerpiece has a magical way of setting a festive tone!

MORE HOLIDAY APPETIZERS

Do you love this cheese ball recipe? Are you looking for more holiday appetizers?

Make CHEESY RO*TEL BEAN DIP.
Serve RO*TEL GUACAMOLE.
Recipe inspiration: HOLIDAY APPETIZERS.