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Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath Recipe

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4.6 from 89 reviews

This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a festive and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining creamy cream cheese with zesty taco seasoning, fresh jalapeno, green chiles, and vibrant toppings like Monterey Jack cheese and fresh vegetables, it creates a visually stunning wreath shape that’s sure to impress your guests. Serve chilled with chips and veggie sticks for a deliciously fun party starter.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Ball Base

  • 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 packet taco seasoning
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion
  • 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chile peppers, drained
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed and finely chopped (divided)
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced (divided)

Topping

  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 medium Roma tomato, cored and finely diced (divided)

Instructions

  1. Soften Cream Cheese: Ensure your 16 oz package of cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth, lump-free base.
  2. Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the 1/2 packet of taco seasoning. Mix until well incorporated and no visible streaks remain.
  3. Add Veggies and Herbs: To the cream cheese mixture, add the 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion, the seeded and finely chopped medium jalapeno pepper, the drained diced green chile peppers, about half of the finely chopped fresh cilantro, and about half of the thinly sliced green onions. Gently fold all ingredients until evenly distributed, avoiding overmixing.
  4. Form and Chill Cheese Ball: Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap. Gently bring the edges of the plastic wrap up and twist them to form a general ball shape. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up.
  5. Unwrap and Prepare for Shaping: Once thoroughly chilled and firm to the touch, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it. Place it on your desired serving platter.
  6. Shape into Wreath: Using lightly moistened hands (to prevent sticking), gently press down on the center of the cheese ball and simultaneously push outwards to form a circular wreath shape with a hole in the middle. Aim for relatively even thickness for consistent serving and presentation.
  7. Prepare Topping Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, combine the 8 oz shredded Monterey Jack cheese, about half of the finely diced medium Roma tomato, and the remaining thinly sliced green onions. This will be your vibrant topping mixture.
  8. Apply Toppings: Carefully sprinkle the prepared topping mixture over the entire surface of the cheese wreath. Gently press the topping onto the cheese ball with your hands to ensure it adheres well, covering all sides, including the inner and outer edges.
  9. Add Festive Garnish: For an extra festive touch, arrange a few extra fresh cilantro sprigs and the remaining finely diced Roma tomato strategically around the wreath to mimic holly berries or festive decorations.
  10. Chill and Serve: Optionally, place the fully assembled and decorated wreath back in the refrigerator for another 30 minutes to an hour. This allows the topping to adhere even more firmly and ensures the cheese ball is perfectly chilled for serving. Serve with an assortment of dippers such as tortilla chips, carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips.

Notes

  • Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened to avoid lumps.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno based on your spice preference.
  • The cheese ball can be made a day ahead to save time and enhance flavor blending.
  • Use plastic wrap to help shape and chill the cheese ball easily.
  • The wreath shape makes it extra festive and perfect for holiday parties.
  • Serve with a variety of dippers for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cheese ball, festive appetizer, holiday party snack, taco seasoning, Monterey Jack, no bake appetizer

Find it online: https://nataliereeve.com/christmas-taco-cheese-ball-wreath-recipe/