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Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath Recipe

Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath Recipe

5.3 from 12 reviews

This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a festive and flavorful appetizer that combines creamy cheeses with vibrant taco-seasoned herbs and veggies. Shaped like a holiday wreath, it features a blend of cream cheese, Monterey Jack, fresh cilantro, green onions, and diced green chiles, decorated with a colorful ring of tomato, onion, and jalapeno for a merry and delicious presentation perfect for holiday parties.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Base

  • 1 (16 oz) package cream cheese, softened
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 packet taco seasoning

Herbs and Vegetables

  • 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 tbsp finely chopped white onion
  • 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bowl: Line a 16-ounce bowl with plastic wrap, letting extra wrap hang over the edges for easy removal later.
  2. Mix Cheese Base: In a food processor, blend the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined. Add half of the cilantro, green onions, and diced green chiles. Pulse a few times to incorporate the vegetables and herbs into the mixture, taking care not to over-process, so that flecks of green remain for added texture and color.
  3. Shape the Wreath: Transfer the cheese mixture into the plastic-lined bowl. Press the mixture firmly and evenly to smooth it out and form a round shape. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow the cheese ball to firm up.
  4. Create Wreath Center: Once chilled, invert the bowl onto a serving platter and gently remove the plastic wrap. Use a shot glass or spoon to carefully create a small hole in the center, forming a wreath shape.
  5. Decorate: Finely chop the remaining cilantro and sprinkle it over the top of the wreath for a fresh green garnish. In a small bowl, mix together the diced Roma tomato, finely chopped white onion, and jalapeno pepper. Arrange this mixture in a ring around the wreath to create a festive colorful border that complements the cheese ball.

Notes

  • For best flavor, allow the cheese ball to chill overnight.
  • Adjust the amount of jalapeno pepper to control the heat level of the decoration.
  • Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies for dipping.
  • Can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator.
  • Use fresh, high-quality cheeses for a creamier texture and better taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: Christmas appetizer, cheese ball wreath, taco cheese ball, holiday appetizer, festive cheese recipe, party dip