Description
This festive Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a perfect appetizer for holiday gatherings. Creamy and flavorful with a zesty taco seasoning twist, it’s shaped into an eye-catching ring and garnished with colorful bell peppers and fresh herbs. Serve it chilled with tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing party snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Ball Mixture
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
- ¼ cup green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
Garnishes
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
Serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Soften Cream Cheese: Let the cream cheese come to room temperature to soften, ensuring it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a large bowl, thoroughly combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, chopped green onions, and cilantro until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Shape the Wreath: Place plastic wrap on your countertop, spoon the cheese mixture onto the center, and mold it into a ring or wreath shape. Use a small bowl placed in the center as a mold for support, if needed. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap.
- Chill: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball wreath for at least 2 hours to firm up. For best results, chill overnight.
- Garnish: Unwrap the chilled wreath and transfer it gently to a serving platter. Decorate the top with diced red and green bell peppers, additional chopped cilantro, and optional finely chopped jalapeños for a festive look and a bit of heat.
- Serve: Surround the wreath with tortilla chips or your choice of crackers and serve cold as a delightful holiday appetizer.
Notes
- Allowing the cream cheese to soften to room temperature makes mixing easier and creates a creamier texture.
- The taco seasoning adds a flavorful Mexican twist, but you can adjust the seasoning to taste or use a mild version for less spice.
- For a dairy-free or vegan adaptation, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives.
- This cheese ball wreath can be made a day ahead for convenience; just cover and keep refrigerated until serving.
- To add more crunch, consider incorporating finely chopped nuts or seeds into the mixture.
