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Looking for a show-stopping appetizer that’s as festive as it is delicious? My Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is the ultimate addition to your holiday table. Shaped like a holiday tree and adorned with vibrant pomegranate arils and rosemary, it’s simple to make. Beautifully eye-catching, and bursting with flavor, it will be a family favorite!
Whether you’re hosting a Christmas dinner or attending a potluck, this festive cheese ball is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s both elegant and delicious. Other holiday appetizers to please a crowd include walnut pomegranate cheese ball, baked brie with honey and nuts or beet hummus.
Table of Contents
- Recipe Highlights: Christmas Cheese Ball
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients
- Ingredient Spotlight: Boursin Cheese
- How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
- Recipe Tips
- Serving Suggestions
- Variations and Substitutes
- How to Store Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Other HOliday Appetizer Ideas
- Christmas Tree Cheese Ball Recipe
Recipe Highlights: Christmas Cheese Ball
Flavor Profile: Creamy and herbed with the subtle kick of pomegranate and the earthy aroma of fresh rosemary.
Texture: Smooth and creamy cheese contrasts beautifully with the juicy bursts of pomegranate arils and the slight crunch of accompanying crackers or bread.
Skill Level: Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Minimal effort, maximum impact: This Christmas Cheese Ball requires no special tools or advanced cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone. Also, made with just a handful of ingredients, it comes together in no time.
Packed with flavor: The creamy, herbed Boursin cheese pairs perfectly with the tangy sweetness of pomegranate arils and the earthy aroma of rosemary.
Festive and Fun: The cone-shaped “tree” is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday charm to your table. This cheese ball doubles as a centerpiece and an appetizer.
Versatile pairing: Serve it with crackers, bread, or fresh veggies for a complete appetizer spread.
Customizable: Add your favorite cheeses, herbs, or spices to make it your own.
Perfect for sharing: Ideal for holiday gatherings, parties, or cozy family evenings.
Ingredients
- Boursin cheese: The star ingredient of this recipe, bringing rich, creamy, and herbed flavor.
- Pomegranate arils: Bright, juicy, and slightly tart, these add both flavor and visual appeal.
- Fresh rosemary: Provides a festive look and a subtle, earthy aroma.
Ingredient Spotlight: Boursin Cheese
Boursin cheese is a creamy, spreadable cheese. It’s infused with a medley of herbs and spices. Moreover, its smooth texture and robust flavor make it ideal for recipes like this cheese ball.
Why use Boursin cheese?
- It’s pre-seasoned, saving you time and effort.
- Its consistency is perfect for shaping into a cone without being too sticky or crumbly.
Alternatives: If Boursin isn’t available, you can use cream cheese or a mix of cream cheese with shredded cheddar or gouda. Be sure to bring the cream cheese to room temperature for easier mixing and shaping.
How to Make Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Step 1: Prepare the base
Place two blocks of Boursin cheese on top of each other on a sheet of plastic wrap and place another sheet of wrap onto the cheese.
Step 2: Shape the tree
Form the cheeses into a cone using your hands over the plastic wrap, ensuring the surface is smooth.
Step 3: Decorate the tree
Arrange pomegranate arils over the cone, pressing gently to secure them.
Then, add small sprigs of rosemary intermittently for a festive look. Top the cone with a larger rosemary sprig to mimic the top of a tree and some sprigs around the “tree” at the bottom.
Step 4: Serve
Transfer the cheese ball to a platter and pair it with crackers or bread.
Recipe Tips
- Room temperature cheese: Let the cheese sit at room temperature for easier handling and shaping.
- Customize the flavors: Mix in your favorite additions like chopped cranberries, chives, pecans or spices such as onion or garlic powder.
- No-waste decorating: Use leftover pomegranate seeds in a salad or as a garnish for other dishes.
- Neat presentation: Use a small offset spatula to smooth the surface of the cheese cone before decorating.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball pairs wonderfully with:
- Crackers: Thin and crispy varieties like water crackers or sesame crackers. Try my Rosemary Garlic Crackers.
- Bread: Slices of toasted baguette, ciabatta, no knead bread or focaccia complement the creamy texture.
- Veggies: Offer fresh cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or celery sticks for a lighter option.
Pro tip: For a festive appetizer platter, surround the cheese ball with crackers, bread, olives, pickles, tomatoes, more cheese selections, and fresh greens like arugula or parsley.
Variations and Substitutes
- Cheese Options: If Boursin isn’t available, use cream cheese, goat cheese, or a combination of cream cheese and shredded cheddar or gouda. Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth mixing.
- Flavor Add-Ins: Customize the flavor by mixing in ingredients like:
- Chopped pickles for a tangy kick
- Dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness
- Fresh chives or parsley for an herby note
- Spices like oregano, garlic powder, or onion powder for added depth
- Shape Alternatives: Instead of a cone-shaped tree, shape the cheese ball into a classic round ball or even into fun holiday shapes like a wreath or snowman.
- Dietary Modifications:
- For a nut-free version, skip any nut toppings or mix-ins.
- Use vegan cream cheese and plant-based flavorings to make it vegan-friendly.
How to Store Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
In the fridge: Wrap the cheese ball tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the pomegranate and rosemary just before serving for maximum freshness.
I don’t recommend freezing this cheese ball since the flavor and texture will be different.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can shape and store the cheese ball a day in advance, then decorate it just before serving.
Absolutely! Cream cheese, goat cheese, or a blend of cream cheese and shredded cheddar work beautifully.
Other HOliday Appetizer Ideas
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Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 2 packs Boursin cheese , 5.3 oz each
- 1 cup Pomegranate arils
- 1 sprig Rosemary
Instructions
- Place two blocks of Boursin cheese on top of each other on a sheet of plastic wrap placed on a plate. Place another sheet of plastic wrap on the cheese.
- Form the cheeses into a cone shape using your hands over the plastic wrap, ensuring the surface is smooth.
- Arrange pomegranate arils over the cone, pressing gently to secure them. You can also place the pomegranate arils on a plate and roll the cheese cone on the arils.
- Add small sprigs of rosemary intermittently for a festive look. Top the cone with a larger rosemary sprig to mimic the top of a tree.
- Transfer the cheese ball to a platter and pair it with crackers or bread.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
