Description
This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy cream cheese with sharp cheddar, spicy pepper jack, and zesty taco seasoning, it’s shaped into a wreath and decorated to resemble holiday holly, served with crunchy tortilla chips or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 (1-ounce) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives (optional)
Garnish
- 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
To Serve
- Tortilla chips or crackers
Instructions
- Mix the cheese base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded pepper jack, taco seasoning, sour cream, chopped green onions, and black olives if using. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- Shape the wreath: Place a sheet of plastic wrap on a flat surface and transfer the cheese mixture to the center. Shape it into a ring or wreath shape. To create a perfect hole in the center, place a small round bowl or cup and mold the cheese mixture around it. Wrap the wreath tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill the cheese ball: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for at least 1 to 2 hours, allowing it to firm up and hold its wreath shape.
- Garnish and serve: Once chilled, unwrap the wreath and transfer it onto a serving platter. Garnish the top with chopped red bell pepper and fresh cilantro or parsley to create a festive holly appearance. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for dipping.
Notes
- You can prepare this cheese ball up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated.
- For an extra festive touch, add a decorative bow made from sliced red bell pepper.
- Adjust the spiciness by selecting spicy cheeses or adding extra taco seasoning.
