Description
This festive Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a delightful and savory appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Combining a blend of provolone, Parmesan, cream cheese, and a variety of antipasto ingredients like pepperoncini, olives, salami, and roasted red peppers, this cheese ball is shaped like a Christmas tree and decorated for seasonal cheer. The creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors paired with crunchy crackers or crostini make it an irresistible party starter.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups finely shredded Provolone
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan
- 4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
Antipasto Ingredients
- 2/3 cup chopped pepperoncini
- 1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped
- 4 oz. salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
- 2 marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 6 oz. pitted marinated green Cerignola olives, halved
- 4 oz. marinated Kalamata olives, halved
- 2 oz. pitted marinated black Cerignola olives, halved
- 4 oz. roasted red peppers, cut into 3/4″ pieces
Seasonings and Garnishes
- 2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- Rosemary sprigs, for decorating
- 1 (1/2″-thick) slice fresh mozzarella
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the provolone, Parmesan, chopped pepperoncini, almonds, salami, finely chopped marinated artichoke hearts, garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes with a fork until evenly combined. Then, using a rubber spatula, fold the softened cream cheese into the mixture until well blended.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay one 24-inch-long sheet of plastic wrap on a cutting board or platter with the long edge facing you, then place another same-size sheet on top, rotated with the short edge facing you. Spoon the cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wrap sheets. Drape the plastic over the cheese mixture and carefully shape it into a Christmas tree form, standing it upright. Wrap the shaped cheese tightly with the plastic and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until firm and cold.
- Decorate the Cheese Tree: Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled cheese. Pat the olives dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Decorate the surface of the cheese tree with the halved green Cerignola, Kalamata, and black Cerignola olives, as well as the roasted red peppers and rosemary sprigs to resemble ornaments and greenery.
- Create the Star Topper and Serve: Using a paring knife or a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a star shape from the slice of fresh mozzarella. Attach a toothpick to the bottom of the star and insert it into the top of the Christmas tree cheese ball. Serve the cheese tree with crostini or crackers on the side for spreading and dipping.
Notes
- For best results, ensure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing for easier blending.
- You can substitute salami with pepperoni or other cured meats according to preference.
- Marinated olives and roasted red peppers add distinctive flavor and moisture; patting olives dry helps prevent excess liquid from watering down the cheese ball.
- The cheese ball can be made a day ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator to develop flavors further.
- Feel free to get creative with decorating—additional fresh herbs or sliced vegetables can enhance presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (based on 24 servings)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
