Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Nothing says hostess with the most-est like a charming and delicious antipasto Christmas tree. This cheesy appetizer sculpture will help you decorate for your Christmas party and feed your guests all in one fell swoop. The base is essentially a cheeseball with all of the flavors you might find on a normal antipasto platter—marinated and pickled veggies, spicy cured meat, and salty, nutty cheese—all encased in smooth cream cheese and served with your favorite cracker or crostini.
Olive lover’s tip: If you’re a big fan of marinated olives, feel free to keep them whole instead of slicing them in half before placing them on the tree.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: Makes one cheese ball
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped black olives
- 1/4 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sliced almonds or rosemary sprigs for garnish
- Assorted crackers, breadsticks, or veggies for serving
Directions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, roasted red peppers, basil, parsley, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Shape the mixture into a cone or tree shape on a serving platter, using plastic wrap or your hands. Smooth the surface with a spatula.
- Refrigerate the cheese ball for at least 1 hour or until firm.
- Before serving, gently press sliced almonds onto the surface of the cheese ball to resemble tree decorations or use rosemary sprigs to create a festive tree-like appearance.
- Surround the Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball with assorted crackers, breadsticks, or veggies for dipping.