Bring a burst of holiday cheer straight to your table with this Red & Green Pepper Jelly Christmas Cheese Wreath a show-stopping appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory all at once, this festive wreath transforms simple cheeses into a dazzling centerpiece everyone will gather around. It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to sprinkle a little extra magic on your seasonal spread.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup green pepper jelly
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, and chopped chives. Mix until fully blended and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and shape it into a round wreath, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula.
- Spread the red pepper jelly evenly over one half of the wreath, then spread the green pepper jelly over the other half to create a festive two-tone look.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top for a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Garnish generously with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to complete the holiday presentation.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette and enjoy every creamy, sweet-and-spicy bite.
Variation
- Swap the cheeses: Try using goat cheese in place of feta for a tangier, creamier flavor. It blends beautifully and gives the wreath a slightly softer texture.
- Add dried fruit: Fold in chopped dried cranberries or apricots for a pop of sweetness and a festive, jewel-toned appearance throughout the cheese base.
- Add heat: Mix a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes into the cheese mixture for a subtle kick that pairs wonderfully with the sweet pepper jellies.
Cooking Notes
- Softening the cream cheese is key: Allowing the cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures a smooth, easily shapeable mixture without lumps.
- Chill before guests arrive: After shaping the wreath, you can refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes to help it firm up and hold its shape longer on the table.
- Serve jellies at room temp: Pepper jellies spread more smoothly and shine beautifully when they aren’t cold, making application easier and the final look glossier.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with an assortment of crackers: Offer a mix of buttery, whole-grain, and seeded crackers to give guests flavor and texture options that complement the creamy cheese base.
- Add fresh veggies: Serve alongside crisp celery sticks, sliced cucumbers, or sweet bell pepper strips for a lighter, refreshing pairing option.
- Create a grazing board: Build a full holiday platter by surrounding the wreath with charcuterie, nuts, dried fruits, and seasonal fruits like grapes or pomegranate seeds.
Tips
- Shape with plastic wrap: If you prefer a cleaner, neater wreath, mound the cheese mixture onto plastic wrap, shape it into a ring, then transfer it to the platter.
- Use a small bowl to form the center: Place a small bowl in the center of your platter, shape the cheese around it, then lift the bowl away for a perfectly even ring.
- Toast the walnuts: Lightly toasting the walnuts enhances their nutty flavor and adds an extra layer of warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: ~7g
- Sodium: ~310mg (varies depending on cheese brand)
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese wreath ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheese mixture and shape the wreath a day in advance. Add the jellies, nuts, and herbs right before serving for the freshest look. - What can I use instead of pepper jelly?
Hot honey, cranberry sauce, fig jam, or apricot preserves all make delicious alternatives with unique flavor twists. - Can I freeze the cheese wreath?
Freezing is not recommended, as soft cheeses can become grainy once thawed. - Is there a nut-free option?
Absolutely simply omit the walnuts or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts.
Conclusion
This Red & Green Pepper Jelly Christmas Cheese Wreath is everything a holiday appetizer should be vibrant, irresistible, and wonderfully simple to bring together. Whether you’re hosting a festive gathering or adding a special touch to a cozy celebration, this wreath promises big flavor with minimal effort. Make it once, and it may just become your new holiday tradition. Enjoy!
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Red & Green Pepper Jelly Christmas Cheese Wreath
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring a burst of holiday cheer straight to your table with this Red & Green Pepper Jelly Christmas Cheese Wreath a show-stopping appetizer that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory all at once, this festive wreath transforms simple cheeses into a dazzling centerpiece everyone will gather around. It’s quick to make, incredibly flavorful, and guaranteed to sprinkle a little extra magic on your seasonal spread.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup green pepper jelly
- Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving
- Fresh herbs, for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled feta, and chopped chives. Mix until fully blended and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a serving platter and shape it into a round wreath, smoothing the surface with your hands or a spatula.
- Spread the red pepper jelly evenly over one half of the wreath, then spread the green pepper jelly over the other half to create a festive two-tone look.
- Sprinkle the chopped walnuts over the top for a satisfying crunch and nutty depth.
- Garnish generously with fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley to complete the holiday presentation.
- Serve with crackers or sliced baguette and enjoy every creamy, sweet-and-spicy bite.
Notes
- Softening the cream cheese is key: Allowing the cream cheese to come to room temperature ensures a smooth, easily shapeable mixture without lumps.
- Chill before guests arrive: After shaping the wreath, you can refrigerate it for 20–30 minutes to help it firm up and hold its shape longer on the table.
- Serve jellies at room temp: Pepper jellies spread more smoothly and shine beautifully when they aren’t cold, making application easier and the final look glossier.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American, Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of wreath
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: ~10 g
- Sodium: ~350 mg
- Fat: ~26 g
- Saturated Fat: ~12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~13 g
- Trans Fat: ~0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~12–14 g
- Fiber: ~1 g
- Protein: ~6 g
- Cholesterol: ~45 mg
Keywords: Christmas cheese wreath, holiday cheese appetizer, pepper jelly wreath, red and green pepper jelly, festive cheese platter