Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe

This Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe is a festive and creamy recipe, which is made with cream cheese and sharp Cheddar cheese. It’s a great choice for holiday parties, ready in about 1 hour.

Jump to Recipe

Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese (1 package), room temperature
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 3 scallions, sliced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• Buttery crackers (like Ritz), for serving

How To Make Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

1. Mix the cheese base: In a food processor, combine the room temperature cream cheese, shredded Cheddar, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, sliced scallions, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is nearly smooth but still has a few small bits of cheese for texture.
2. Chill the mixture: Scrape the cheese mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and use the wrap to help form it into a ball. Wrap it tightly and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Shape and coat: After chilling, unwrap the cheese ball and shape it into a cone or Christmas tree shape. On a plate, mix together the chopped parsley and dill. Roll the cheese tree in the fresh herbs until it is evenly and completely coated.
4. Decorate and serve: Place the herb-coated cheese tree on a serving platter. Press the pomegranate seeds into the surface to look like ornaments. Arrange buttery crackers around the base and serve.

Recipe Tips

• How do I get the smoothest cheese ball? The most important step is to use cream cheese that is fully softened to room temperature. This allows it to blend easily with the other ingredients and prevents a lumpy texture.
• Should I grate my own cheese? For the best texture and flavor, yes. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated in anti-caking agents that can make the cheese ball feel slightly gritty. Grating a block of sharp cheddar yourself results in a creamier final product.
• Why do I need to freeze the mixture? Don’t skip this step. Chilling the cheese mixture in the freezer for 30 minutes makes it much firmer and less sticky, which is essential for easily shaping it into the Christmas tree cone.
• How do I get the best herb coating? Use fresh parsley and dill for the most vibrant green color and brightest flavor. Make sure to chop them finely so they create a dense, even coating on the cheese ball.

What To Serve With Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

This festive cheese ball is the perfect centerpiece for a holiday appetizer spread. Serve it with a variety of dippers:

• Buttery crackers like Ritz or Club crackers
• Sturdy wheat crackers or pretzel crisps
• Sliced baguette or crostini
• Celery sticks and sliced bell peppers

How To Store Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Refrigerate: Wrap the finished cheese ball tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 5 days. For best results, add the pomegranate seed “ornaments” just before serving. Freeze: You can freeze the cheese ball (before coating it in herbs) for up to one month. Thaw it in the refrigerator, then let it soften slightly before rolling it in the fresh herbs and decorating.

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Protein: 8g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Sodium: 350mg

Nutrition information is estimated per serving and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Goat Cheese Polenta Recipe
• Pioneer Woman Philly Cheesesteak Casserole Recipe