Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe (Easy Holiday Appetizer!)

Credit to Savor for this holiday cheese ball appetizer. Get the full recipe at their site.

Festive and delicious, this Christmas tree cheese ball is a holiday showstopper. Perfectly savory and sure to impress any crowd!

As the holiday season rolls around, festive treats and fun presentations become the stars of any gathering. One standout that never fails to bring a smile is the Christmas tree cheese ball appetizer. With a shape that mimics a mini Christmas tree adorned with edible “lights” and a charming “star” topper, this dish isn’t just a treat for the taste buds but also a delight for the eyes. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family get-together or a lively holiday party, this Christmas tree-shaped cheese ball is bound to be a hit.

This easy cheese ball recipe is easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is packed with rich flavors from cream cheese, cheddar, and fresh herbs. It’s creamy, savory, and pairs beautifully with a variety of crackers. Let’s dive into why this delicious appetizer is a must for your holiday parties this season, plus step-by-step instructions for creating this festive masterpiece.

Why You’ll Love This Cheese Ball Recipe

This Christmas Cheese Ball recipe is a delightful holiday appetizer for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare but makes an impressive centerpiece on any table. The combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar creates a creamy, savory base that’s perfectly complemented by the fresh herbs and subtle mustard. The green parsley and rosemary not only add a bright, fresh taste but also give this homemade cheese ball its tree-like appearance.

This recipe is also highly customizable. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and spices to suit your personal taste. It’s a fantastic make-ahead option as well, allowing you to prepare it a day in advance and save yourself time on the day of your gathering. With its festive look and crowd-pleasing flavors, this perfect appetizer will quickly become a holiday tradition!

A Breakdown of the Simple Ingredients in this Festive Appetizer

Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to bring this Christmas tree cheeseball to life:

• Cream Cheese: The creamy base of the cheese ball. Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best flavor and texture. Using softened cream cheese will make mixing much easier.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: This adds a bold, tangy flavor and a bit of color. You can experiment with other cheeses as well, like Colby Jack or sharp white cheddar. Go with a sharp cheddar cheese for more intense flavor, or mild for a more subdued cheddar taste. Buying pre-shredded cheese will make the assembly of this recipe even faster, but feel free to grate your own cheese if you prefer. 
• Green Onions: These add a subtle oniony taste that brightens the cheese mixture.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper and Yellow Mustard: These add a hint of spice and tang, balancing the richness of the cheese. Adjust to taste based on your preference.

For the Decorations and Ornaments

• Fresh Parsley and Rosemary: These herbs are what give the cheese ball its “tree” look. The parsley acts as the main greenery, while the rosemary sprigs mimic branches.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes serve as “ornaments” or “lights” on the tree. The vibrant red color looks beautiful against the green parsley.
• Yellow Bell Pepper: Cut into a star shape, this acts as the festive topper for your cheese ball tree

Optional ingredients include pecan halves and pomegranate seeds as “ornaments”. Read on to get more ideas for making your holiday cheese ball recipe more festive. 

How to Make the Best Cheese Ball Recipe

Making the best cheese ball recipe is easy and fun! Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Combine the Ingredients: Start by beating together the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, green onions, black pepper, and mustard. You can use a hand mixer or a stand mixer to make sure everything is thoroughly combined. The mixture should be creamy and well-blended.

1. Shape the Cheese Ball: Once the cream cheese mixture is ready, cover it with a large piece of plastic wrap. Using your hands, gently mold it into a cone shape to resemble a Christmas tree. Place it in the refrigerator for about 2 hours, or until firm. This step is essential, as it helps the cheese ball hold its shape.
2. Decorate the Tree: Once firm, roll the cone-shaped cheese ball in chopped parsley until it’s fully coated. The parsley gives it that vibrant green color. Next, press rosemary sprigs into the cheese ball at various points to resemble tree branches. For added festive charm, press cherry tomato halves into the tree as “lights.” Finally, use a toothpick to secure the bell pepper star at the top.
3. Serve: Place your beautiful cheese ball tree on a serving plate, surround it with an assortment of crackers.

How to Store your Cheese Ball

This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball can be stored in the refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container, for up to 3 days. If you’re making it ahead, consider waiting to add the parsley coating, rosemary sprigs, and cherry tomatoes until just before serving to keep everything looking fresh. Simply re-roll the cheese ball in parsley and add the garnishes before setting it out for your guests.

Tips for Making this Appetizer

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing. This will make it much easier to blend the ingredients and achieve a smooth consistency.
• Mold and Chill: Giving the cheese ball time to set ensures it will hold its shape and make it easier to coat in parsley without sticking to your hands.
• Customize the Flavor: Feel free to get creative with the ingredients by adding a bit of garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor profile.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Using fresh herbs gives the cheese ball an authentic “tree” look. Plus, they add a fresh taste that complements the richness of the cheeses.