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Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath

  • Author: Avery
  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10–12 servings 1x

Description

Bring a festive twist to your holiday table with this Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath a creamy, zesty, and delightfully colorful appetizer that’s guaranteed to wow your guests! With a perfect blend of cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and taco seasoning, this dish balances rich flavors with a pop of freshness from cilantro, tomato, and jalapeño. It’s fun to make, beautiful to serve, and irresistibly delicious!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • ½ packet taco seasoning
  • 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
  • 4 green onions, roughly chopped
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chile peppers
  • 1 medium Roma tomato, cored and diced
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped white onion
  • 1 medium jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bowl:
    Line a 16-ounce bowl with plastic wrap, letting the extra wrap hang over the edges. This will make it easy to remove your cheese ball once it’s chilled.
  2. Mix the Cheese Base:
    In a food processor, blend cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning until smooth and combined. Add half of the cilantro, green onions, and diced green chiles, then pulse a few times until you see green flecks throughout (avoid over-processing).
  3. Shape the Wreath:
    Transfer the cheese mixture into the prepared bowl, pressing it down to smooth the surface. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
  4. Create the Wreath Center:
    Once chilled, invert the cheese ball onto a serving platter and peel away the plastic wrap. Use a small shot glass or spoon to carve out a circle in the center, forming a wreath shape.
  5. Decorate:
    Finely chop the remaining cilantro and sprinkle over the top for a fresh green look. In a small bowl, mix the diced tomato, onion, and jalapeño, then spoon this mixture in a ring around the top of the wreath for a festive garnish.

Notes

  1. Chill time is crucial allowing the cheese ball to rest helps it firm up and hold its shape beautifully.
  2. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best creamy texture; pre-shredded varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect consistency.
  3. For easy unmolding, lightly coat the inside of your plastic wrap with cooking spray before filling.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: No-cook / Chilled
  • Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/12 of recipe)
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: Christmas cheese ball, taco cheese ball, holiday appetizer, festive wreath, make-ahead party dip

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