Festive Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball

If you’re looking for an elegant yet easy holiday appetiser, this Festive Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball is sure to impress. With a mix of cheddar, cream cheese, herbs, cranberries, and pecans, this creamy wreath makes a beautiful and flavourful centerpiece for your Christmas table – both savoury and festive in every bite.

Hey folks – I hope you all are doing well!

Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that’s simple, make-ahead friendly, and bursting with festive flavours – the Festive Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball. It’s creamy, herby, and delightfully tangy with a touch of sweetness from cranberries and pomegranate. So, let’s dive into this festive wreath cheese ball.

Why You’ll Love This Festive Wreath Cheese Ball

• Visually Stunning: Shaped like a Christmas wreath, it’s the perfect centrepiece for any holiday gathering.
• Creamy and Crunchy: A smooth cheese base with crunchy nuts and fresh herbs for balance.
• Easy and Make-Ahead: Can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.
• Festive Flavour Combo: Dried cranberries, pomegranate, rosemary, and thyme bring seasonal warmth.
• Versatile: Serve with crackers, toasts, or fresh veggies – it fits every entertaining style.

Flavour and Texture Profile

This festive cheese ball combines creamy cheddar and cream cheese with the nutty richness of pecans and the sweetness of cranberries. The herbs and pomegranate add a bright, refreshing contrast, making every bite rich yet balanced – creamy, crunchy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Ingredients You’ll Need for This Cheese Ball

Before you begin, gather all your ingredients – this recipe comes together quickly once the cheeses are softened.

• Cheddar and Cream Cheese: Form the creamy, tangy base of the wreath. Use a mix of plain and herbed cream cheese for extra flavour.
• Herbs: Fresh rosemary, thyme, parsley, or dill add colour and aroma.
• Dried Cranberries: Add festive colour and gentle sweetness.
• Pecans: Provide crunch and nutty depth; toasted for best flavour.
• Pomegranate Arils: The final garnish – juicy bursts of colour and freshness.
• Honey (Optional): A touch of sweetness that enhances balance.
• Spices: Nutmeg, pepper, and chipotle bring subtle warmth.

Possible Additions and Variations

Try adding blue cheese or goat cheese for a sharper flavour, or swap pecans for walnuts or pistachios. You can shape the mixture into mini wreaths or balls for individual portions. For a smoky twist, add a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

How to Make This Festive Wreath Cheese Ball

Making this festive wreath cheese ball is straightforward and fun.
In a bowl, combine the cheddar, cream cheese, and seasonings until smooth. Fold in cranberries, pecans, and herbs, then shape into a wreath on a plate. Coat with chopped herbs, chill for 30 minutes, and finish with pomegranate before serving.

More Delicious Recipes

Are you looking for more festive cheese appetizers like this Festive Wreath Cheese Ball? Be sure to check more recipes below:

• Festive Antipasto Cheese Ball for Holiday Entertaining
• Italian Cheese Log – Elegant Festive Appetizer
• Festive Holiday Pistachio Cranberry Bacon Cheese Ball
• and be sure to make these Cranberry Walnut Cheese Biscuits and Festive Cheese and Chestnut Biscuits – Holiday Savoury Treat to enjoy with cheese appetizers.

I’d love for you to try this Festive Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball. If you give this recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!

Print

Festive Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball

Recipe by Ben | Havocinthekitchen

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: Christmas, Festive Cheese and Appetizers

Servings

8-12

servings

Cooking time

40

minutes

Chilling time

30

minutes

Festive Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball is a creamy and elegant holiday appetizer made with cheddar, cream cheese, herbs, cranberries, and pecans. Beautiful, easy to make, and perfect for Christmas entertaining.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups (about 250 gr) grated cheddar

• 2 cups (450 gr) plain cream cheese (you can opt for with herbs and garlic), at room temperature

• ½ tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

• 1 tbsp. of fresh minced rosemary and thyme, each

• 1/3 cup (65 gr) dried cranberries, roughly chopped

• 1 cup (100 g.) pecans, toasted and chopped – walnuts are fine, too

• ground pepper, to taste

• 1 tbsp. (20 g) honey (optional)

• 2/3 to 1 cup (about 35-50 g.) rinsed, drained, and chopped herbs – use parsley, dill, their combination or other herbs (some chives would work)

• 1/2 cup (90 g) pomegranate arils

Directions

• In a large bawl combine the cheddar and cream cheese, until combined.
• Stir in the cranberries, pecans, herbs, and spices, and if using – the honey. Mix until well incorporated.
• On a plate or board arrange the mixture shaping it into a wreath. Sprinkle with the herbs pressing them slightly into the cheese. Cover with plastic and let chill for about 30 minutes.
• Gently transfer (with a help of a large spatula or two spatulas) the cheese wreath onto a serving board and garnish with the pomegranate. Alternatively, you can assemble it directly on a serving plate and just wipe the plate with some paper towel.