The Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a festive and fun dish that brings a bit of color and flavor to your holiday gatherings. It’s perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it a great appetizer or snack. Plus, it looks beautiful on any table, adding a cheerful touch to your holiday spread.
Why make this recipe
Making the Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a delightful way to combine traditional holiday flavors with a twist! This dish is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, freeing you up to enjoy the festivities. It’s also great for those who love Mexican flavors, combining creamy cheese with zesty spices and fresh ingredients. Everyone will love dipping into this tasty wreath!
How to prepare Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath
Preparing this holiday treat is simple and fun. Just follow the steps below to create a cheesy, savory wreath that will impress your guests.
Ingredients:
- 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 🌶️
- 1 medium Roma tomato, cored and diced 🍅
- 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion 🧅
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 🌶️
Steps:
- Prepare the bowl: Line a 16-ounce bowl with plastic wrap. Leave some overhang for easy removal later.
- Blend the cheese: In a food processor, mix together the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined.
- Add the fresh ingredients: Add half of the cilantro, green onions, and green chiles to the mixture. Pulse a few times to incorporate. Don’t over-process; you want some flecks of green for texture and color.
- Shape the cheese ball: Spoon the cheese mixture into the lined bowl. Press it down to make a smooth, round shape. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours or overnight to firm it up.
- Create the wreath shape: Once chilled, invert the cheese ball onto a serving platter and gently peel away the plastic wrap. Use a shot glass or a spoon to make a small hole in the center, forming a wreath shape.
- Garnish: Finely chop the remaining cilantro and sprinkle it over the top. In a small bowl, mix the diced tomato, chopped onion, and jalapeno pepper together. Arrange this mixture in a ring around the wreath for a beautiful, festive look.
How to serve Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath
Serve the Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath with an assortment of crackers, tortilla chips, or fresh vegetables. Guests can scoop out the cheese and enjoy with their favorite dippers. It’s a visually appealing and tasty addition to any holiday gathering!
How to store Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within a few days, but you can keep it for up to a week. Just make sure it remains covered to keep it fresh.
Tips to make Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath perfectly
- Make ahead: Preparing the wreath a day in advance allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance the flavor and presentation significantly.
- Adjust spiciness: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce or omit the jalapeno pepper.
Variations
- Different cheeses: Try using pepper jack cheese for an extra kick or cheddar for a sharp flavor.
- Add more veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or corn for added texture and taste.
- Herbs: Mix in other herbs like parsley or chives for a different flavor profile.
FAQ
1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute the cream cheese and Monterey Jack cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives to make this a dairy-free option.
2. How long does it take to chill?
It’s best to chill the cheese ball for at least 4 hours or overnight to ensure it firms up properly.
3. Can I use homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! Using your own homemade taco seasoning can add a personal touch and customize the flavor to your liking.
Enjoy making and sharing this delicious Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath during your holiday celebrations! Happy cooking!
PrintChristmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath
A festive and fun cheese ball wreath combining traditional holiday flavors with a zesty twist, perfect for sharing at holiday gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 medium Roma tomato, cored and diced
- 2 tbsp finely chopped white onion
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
Instructions
- Line a 16-ounce bowl with plastic wrap, leaving some overhang.
- In a food processor, blend together cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning until well combined.
- Add half of the cilantro, green onions, and green chiles to the mixture and pulse a few times.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the lined bowl, pressing down to create a smooth, round shape. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 240 minutes or overnight.
- Invert the cheese ball onto a serving platter and gently peel away the plastic wrap. Create a small hole in the center.
- Finely chop the remaining cilantro and sprinkle over the top. Mix the diced tomato, chopped onion, and jalapeno together, arranging them in a ring around the wreath.
Notes
Make ahead for best flavor; use fresh ingredients; adjust spice level as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: cheese ball, holiday appetizer, festive recipes, taco flavors