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Christmas tree cheese ball coated in parsley with red pepper ornaments on a platter

Christmas Cheese Ball (Christmas Tree Appetizer)

A creamy, savory cheese ball shaped like a Christmas tree, coated in parsley and dotted with red pepper “ornaments.” Easy to mix ahead and decorate before serving.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz cream cheese softened
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/4 cups scallions finely sliced
  • 1/3 cups pecans finely chopped, optional for mix-in
  • 1 1/2 cups flat-leaf parsley finely chopped and patted dry, for coating
  • 1/2 cups red bell pepper finely diced, for ornaments
  • 1 pretzel rod for the tree trunk
  • 1 oz cheddar cheese slice cut into a star for the top, optional
  • crackers and vegetables for serving

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded sharp cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. Mix until smooth and well blended.
  2. Add garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then fold in the dill and scallions. If using, fold in the finely chopped pecans.
  3. Cover the bowl and chill for 20 to 30 minutes, until the mixture is firm enough to shape but still pliable.
  4. Transfer the mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap. Use your hands to form a cone about 5 to 6 inches tall with a wide base so it stands steadily.
  5. Place the chopped parsley on a plate. Unwrap the cone and roll or press the outside of the cheese cone into the parsley until fully coated, gently pressing so the herbs adhere.
  6. Set the coated tree on a serving plate. Decorate with small pieces of diced red bell pepper, pressing them in slightly as ornaments.
  7. Insert the pretzel rod at the base to make a trunk. If using, cut a small star from the cheddar slice and place it on top; a tiny dab of cream cheese helps it stick.
  8. Chill for 20 to 30 minutes to set. Let stand at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before serving with crackers and vegetables.

Notes

Pat the parsley very dry before chopping so it sticks cleanly and stays bright.
Shred your own cheddar for the smoothest texture; pre-shredded can be drier.
If the mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it another 10 to 15 minutes.
Make mini trees by dividing the mixture into two or three smaller cones for separate platters.