Description
This delightful Cheese Ball Wreath is a festive and delicious appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with a creamy blend of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and savory seasonings, these miniature cheese balls are rolled in colorful toppings like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and fresh herbs. Arranged in a wreath shape and garnished with fresh herbs, they’re both visually stunning and irresistibly tasty, making them the ideal addition to your Christmas appetizer spread.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Base
- 2 8-ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened
- 2 Tbsp salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (white cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1 pinch black pepper
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 cup chopped nuts (such as pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/3 cup fresh herbs, diced (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
- Fresh herb sprigs for wreath decoration (sage leaves, rosemary, bay leaves, basil leaves)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: Using a food processor or electric mixer, combine the softened cream cheese and softened butter until smooth. Add the shredded cheese, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, then mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form Mini Cheese Balls: Lightly spritz your clean hands with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Use a small cookie scoop or spoon to portion the cheese mixture, then roll each portion into a miniature ball. If the mixture becomes too soft to handle, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few minutes to firm up.
- Prepare Toppings: Spread the finely chopped dried cranberries, chopped nuts, and diced fresh herbs onto separate shallow plates or bowls for rolling the cheese balls.
- Coat the Cheese Balls: Roll each mini cheese ball in one of the prepared toppings, ensuring each ball is thoroughly coated with dried cranberries, nuts, or herbs for a colorful and flavorful exterior.
- Assemble the Wreath: Arrange the mini cheese balls evenly around a large round platter in the shape of a Christmas wreath. Tuck fresh herb sprigs such as sage leaves, rosemary, bay leaves, and basil leaves between the cheese balls to create a beautiful, festive design.
- Serve: Present the cheese ball wreath with toothpicks, crackers, and pretzels for easy serving and snacking.
Notes
- This appetizer is perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, providing a festive and flavorful addition to any spread.
- Using softened cream cheese and butter is key for easy mixing and shaping of the cheese balls.
- You can customize toppings and herbs based on your preferences or seasonal availability.
- Chilling the mixture if it gets too soft helps maintain ideal texture for shaping.
- Serve with a variety of crackers and pretzels to complement the creamy cheese balls.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 264 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 21 mg
