Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath

This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Get ready to be the star of every holiday party with this show-stopping Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath! This festive appetizer combines the zesty, crowd-pleasing flavors of a taco dip with the beautiful, celebratory look of a classic Christmas wreath. It’s surprisingly simple to make, bursting with fresh ingredients, and is guaranteed to have your guests coming back for more. Let’s create a centerpiece that’s as delicious as it is beautiful!

Why You’ll Love This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath Recipe

A Festive Centerpiece That Tastes as Good as It Looks:

This isn’t your average cheese ball. Shaped into a beautiful wreath and decorated with vibrant red and green toppings, it’s a true edible centerpiece that brings instant holiday cheer to your table. It’s the perfect conversation starter and adds a “wow” factor to your festive spread with minimal effort.

Perfect for Make-Ahead Magic:

We all know how hectic holiday entertaining can be. The beauty of this recipe is that the cheese ball base needs to chill for at least four hours, but it’s even better when made the night before. This means you can cross one major item off your party to-do list ahead of time, leaving you free to enjoy your guests.

A Crowd-Pleasing Flavor for Everyone:

Who doesn’t love the zesty, savory flavors of a good taco dip? By transforming those familiar and beloved flavors into a cheese ball, you’re guaranteed a hit with guests of all ages. It’s a fun, unique twist on classic holiday appetizers that offers a little kick without being too spicy.

Ingredients for Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath

Variations

Spice Lover’s Variation:

For those who like it hot, add a teaspoon of chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese base. You can also leave the seeds in the jalapeño for the topping, or even mix in a few tablespoons of finely chopped pickled jalapeños for an extra zing.

Extra Cheesy and Smoky Variation:

Swap out half of the Monterey Jack for a smoked Gouda or sharp cheddar cheese. The smokiness pairs wonderfully with the taco seasoning and adds a deeper, more complex cheesy flavor to the wreath.

Protein-Packed Variation:

Fold in 1/2 cup of very finely chopped cooked chorizo or crumbled, cooked bacon (well-drained) into the cheese mixture after pulsing the other ingredients. This adds a savory, meaty element that turns the wreath into a more substantial appetizer.

How to Prepare Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath

Step 1:

Start by preparing your mold. Take a 16-ounce bowl and line it completely with plastic wrap, making sure to leave plenty of overhang on all sides. This overhang is your best friend later, as it will make removing the firm cheese ball an absolute breeze.

Step 2:

In the bowl of a food processor, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and taco seasoning. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Now, add half of your fresh cilantro, green onions, and the canned green chiles. Pulse just a few more times—you want to incorporate them but still see visible flecks of green for texture and color. Avoid over-processing into a homogenous paste.

Step 3:

Transfer the cheesy, flavorful mixture into your plastic wrap-lined bowl. Use a spatula or your hands (lightly dampened to prevent sticking) to press the mixture down firmly and smooth out the top. This will be the bottom of your wreath, so a flat surface is ideal.

Step 4:

Bring the overhanging plastic wrap up and over the top of the cheese mixture, sealing it tightly. This is the crucial chilling step! Place the bowl in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the cheese ball to firm up enough to hold its beautiful wreath shape.

Step 5:

When you’re ready to serve, place your chosen serving platter upside-down on top of the bowl. In one confident motion, flip the whole thing over so the platter is on the bottom and the bowl is on top. Gently lift the bowl away. The cheese ball should release easily. Carefully peel away the plastic wrap.

Step 6:

To create the classic wreath shape, use a shot glass, a small round cookie cutter, or the back of a spoon to press down into the center of the cheese ball and remove a circle of cheese. You can enjoy this little snack as a chef’s treat!

Step 7:

Now for the fun, decorative part! Finely chop the remaining half-bunch of cilantro and sprinkle it generously over the top of the wreath to create a “piney” green base. In a small bowl, mix together the diced Roma tomato, finely chopped white onion, and seeded, finely chopped jalapeño. Spoon this vibrant, confetti-like mixture in a ring around the top of the wreath to mimic festive holly berries and decorations.

Tips and Tricks

Ensure Your Cream Cheese is Truly Soft:

Take the cream cheese out of the fridge at least 1-2 hours before you start. Softened cream cheese blends seamlessly, preventing a lumpy base. If you’re short on time, you can microwave it on a low-power setting for 15-second intervals, but be very careful not to melt it.

Don’t Over-Process the Greens:

When you add the cilantro and green onions to the food processor, pulse just until you see green flecks. Over-processing will turn your cheese ball an unappealing shade of green and make the texture too smooth. We want those little bursts of fresh herb flavor!

Pat Your Toppings Dry:

After dicing the tomato and jalapeño, place them on a paper towel and gently pat them dry. This simple step removes excess moisture, which helps prevent a watery puddle from forming on your beautiful cheese wreath platter.

How to Serve

With a Variety of Crackers and Chips:

Offer a platter with different textures and flavors. Sturdy tortilla chips are a classic choice, but also include buttery crackers like Ritz, wheat crackers, and even scoop-shaped chips for easy loading. This caters to all your guests’ preferences.

Alongside Fresh Vegetable Sticks:

For a lighter, low-carb option, serve your wreath with an array of fresh, crisp vegetables. Bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, carrot sticks, and celery stalks are perfect for scooping and add a refreshing crunch that complements the rich cheese.

As Part of a Grand Appetizer Spread:

Place your wreath as the centerpiece of a larger holiday grazing table. Surround it with complementary items like olives, pickles, sliced cured meats, and nuts. It becomes the flavorful anchor of your entire appetizer presentation.

Make-Ahead and Storage

Make the Entire Wreath a Day Ahead:

This recipe is ideal for preparing in advance. You can complete all the steps, including shaping and decorating the wreath, cover it loosely with plastic wrap, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before serving. The flavors will have more time to develop!

Store Leftovers Properly:

Any leftover cheese ball can be tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The texture and flavor will still be great, though the topping may release a little moisture over time.

Freezing the Undecorated Base:

You can freeze the plain, shaped cheese ball (without the cilantro and tomato topping) for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before decorating and serving.

FAQ

I hope this Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath becomes a new, joyful tradition in your holiday celebrations, bringing together friends, family, and fantastic flavor in one beautiful, edible package. Happy holidays and happy eating!

Print