Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath. This creamy, flavorful cheese ball blends cream cheese, Monterey Jack, tangy taco seasoning, and fresh herbs for a delightful appetizer. Shaped like a wreath and decorated with fresh tomato, onion, jalapeno, and cilantro, it’s perfect for holiday gatherings and pairs wonderfully with your favorite chips or crackers.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 packet taco seasoning
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
- 4 green onions, roughly chopped
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chile peppers
Wreath Topping
- 1 medium Roma tomato, cored and diced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- Remaining cilantro from original bunch, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the bowl: Line a 16-ounce bowl with plastic wrap, allowing extra wrap to hang over the edges to make removal easier later on.
- Mix the cheese and seasonings: In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning until just combined. Add half of the cilantro, green onions, and diced green chiles, then pulse several times to mix them in without fully pureeing—keep visible flecks of green for a textured and colorful mixture.
- Shape and chill: Transfer the cheese mixture into the lined bowl, pressing it down evenly and smoothing out the surface. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm up the cheese ball.
- Create the wreath shape: After chilling, invert the cheese ball onto a serving platter and carefully peel away the plastic wrap. Use a shot glass or spoon to make a small hole in the center, forming a wreath shape.
- Decorate the wreath: Finely chop the remaining cilantro and sprinkle it over the top of the wreath for greenery. In a small bowl, combine the diced Roma tomato, chopped white onion, and finely chopped jalapeno pepper. Arrange this mixture in a decorative ring around the wreath, creating a festive holiday appetizer that’s ready to serve.
Notes
- For best results, chill the cheese ball overnight to allow flavors to meld and the shape to firm up well.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your preferred spice level.
- Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetable slices for dipping.
- Can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator.
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before serving for best flavor and texture.
