Description
This festive Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a delicious, creamy dip perfect for holiday parties. Combining shredded Provolone, Parmesan, pepperoncini, almonds, salami, marinated artichokes, and garlic with cream cheese, the mixture is shaped into a Christmas tree and decorated with marinated olives, roasted red peppers, and rosemary sprigs. A fresh mozzarella star tops the tree, making an impressive and tasty centerpiece served with crackers or crostini.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups finely shredded Provolone
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan
- 4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
Mix-ins
- 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
- 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Decorations
- 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
- Rosemary sprigs, for decorating
- 1 (1/2″-thick) slice fresh mozzarella
Serving
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the shredded Provolone, Parmesan, chopped pepperoncini, chopped almonds, finely chopped salami, chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes using a fork until well mixed. Then, using a rubber spatula, fold in the softened cream cheese until the mixture is thoroughly blended.
- Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay one 24-inch-long sheet of plastic wrap on a cutting board or small platter with the long end facing you, then place a second same-size sheet on top with the short end facing you. Pile the cheese mixture in the center of the plastic wrap. Fold the plastic over the cheese mixture and shape it carefully into a Christmas tree shape, ensuring it stands upright. Wrap the shaped cheese tightly in plastic and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes until firm and cold.
- Decorate the Tree: Remove the plastic wrap from the chilled cheese ball. Pat the marinated olives dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Then decorate the cream cheese tree by arranging the halved green Cerignola olives, Kalamata olives, black Cerignola olives, and roasted red peppers over the surface. Use rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles and add a festive touch.
- Add the Mozzarella Star: Using a paring knife or a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a star from the slice of fresh mozzarella. Insert a toothpick into the bottom of the star and carefully place it at the top of the cheese tree to complete the decoration.
- Serve: Present the finished Antipasto Christmas Tree cheese ball with crackers or crostini alongside for guests to enjoy as a festive and flavorful holiday appetizer.
Notes
- This cheese ball is a creamy and flavorful holiday party dip combining Parm, Provolone, artichokes, salami, pepperoncini, and almonds, beautifully shaped into a Christmas tree.
- The use of marinated olives and roasted red peppers adds vibrant color and a briny contrast to the rich cheese mixture.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to achieve a smooth consistency for shaping.
- Chilling is crucial to help the cheese ball hold its shape when upright.
- For added visual appeal, use fresh rosemary sprigs strategically to resemble pine branches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/24 of cheese ball)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1.5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
