Description
Celebrate the holidays with this festive Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath, a creamy and flavorful appetizer perfect for gatherings. Made with cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and a blend of taco seasoning and fresh herbs, this wreath is adorned with colorful diced bell peppers and jalapeños, served alongside crunchy tortilla chips for a delightful holiday snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese 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
Garnish
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (optional)
Serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- Soften the Cream Cheese: Remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature until softened, making it easier to mix smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning, green onions, and cilantro until well blended and uniform in texture.
- Shape the Wreath: Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on your countertop. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center and shape it into a ring or wreath, optionally using a small bowl in the center to guide the shape. Once formed, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap.
- Chill the Wreath: Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball wreath for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up and the flavors to meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Unwrap the chilled wreath and transfer it to a serving platter. Decorate by sprinkling the diced red and green bell peppers, cilantro, and jalapeño pieces over the top for a festive and colorful presentation. Serve with tortilla chips or crackers on the side.
Notes
- For an extra kick, increase the amount of jalapeño or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
- Make the wreath a day ahead to save time on the day of your event.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack for a spicier flavor.
- Serve with assorted crackers or vegetable sticks as an alternative to tortilla chips.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to serve to maintain freshness and shape.
