Origin of the Recipe

Cheese balls have been a classic party staple in American cuisine since the mid-20th century, often served at festive occasions. This holiday twist transforms the traditional cheese ball into a beautiful Christmas tree shape, decorated with colorful toppings for a seasonal touch.

What I Love About This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious and creamy, but it’s also easy to make and highly customizable. You can experiment with different cheeses, herbs, and toppings to suit your taste. Plus, its eye-catching design makes it a perfect centerpiece for any holiday table.

Also Read : Refreshing Cucumber Salad

Christmas Tree Cheese Ball: A Festive Holiday Delight

Recipe by RecipeWikkiCourse: Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (for coating)

• ½ cup mixed bell peppers, finely diced (for decoration)

• ½ cup pomegranate seeds or cherry tomatoes (for ornaments)

• Pretzel stick (for the tree trunk)

Directions

• Mix the Cheese Base – In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar, parmesan, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. Mix well until smooth.
• Shape the Tree – Form the cheese mixture into a cone shape to resemble a Christmas tree. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
• Coat the Tree – Roll or pat the cheese tree with finely chopped parsley to create the “greenery” effect.
• Decorate – Use diced bell peppers, pomegranate seeds, or cherry tomatoes as ornaments. Add a pretzel stick at the bottom for the tree trunk.
• Chill and Serve – Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh veggies.

Notes

• For a smoky flavor, add crumbled bacon to the cheese mixture.

The post Christmas Tree Cheese Ball: A Festive Holiday Delight appeared first on RecipeWikki.

If you’re new to making crudo, don’t worry. It’s all about using fresh, high-quality ingredients and keeping things simple. Here’s everything you need to know about preparing and serving salmon crudo.

Serving Salmon Crudo

Salmon crudo is best served immediately after it’s prepared. It makes a great Christmas appetizer or a light main course when paired with a salad or crusty bread.

For a special touch, serve it with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon.

ALSO READ: Sugar-Free Christmas Cookies: A Healthy Holiday Treat

Salmon Crudo Recipe: Best Christmas Appetizers

Recipe by RecipeWikkiCourse: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

6-8

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

30

minutes

Calories

545

kcal

Salmon crudo is a wonderful way to showcase the beauty of fresh seafood. It’s light, healthy, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re hosting a fancy dinner or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this dish is sure to impress.
Give it a try, and enjoy the delicate flavors of salmon crudo!

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup well-shaken and stirred unsweetened coconut milk

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon fish sauce

• 3/4 teaspoon green yuzu kosho

• 3/4 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger (from 1 [1-inch] piece)

• 1 large pink grapefruit

• 8 ounces sushi-grade boneless, skinless salmon (preferably salmon belly)

• 1 red Fresno chile, seeded and thinly sliced (optional)

• Flaky sea salt, to taste

• 2 to 3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

• Fresh cilantro leaves and finely chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Directions

• Whisk together coconut milk, lime juice, sugar, fish sauce, yuzu kosho, and ginger in a small bowl; set aside.
• Zest grapefruit; set zest aside. Cut off top and bottom of grapefruit. Standing grapefruit upright on a cutting board, cut along sides to remove peel and pith; turn fruit over, and remove any remaining bits of peel and pith. Cut between membranes to separate segments. Cut each segment in half crosswise; set aside on a paper towel–lined plate.
• Thinly slice salmon into 1/4-inch-thick strips (about 4 inches long). Wrap 1 slice of salmon around 1 piece of grapefruit to form a loose bundle. Place on a rimmed serving platter, and top bundle with 1 chile slice, if using. Repeat process with remaining salmon, grapefruit, and chile, if using. Reserve any remaining grapefruit and chile for another use. Season salmon with salt to taste.
• Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons coconut milk mixture on platter around salmon. Drizzle with olive oil. Garnish with cilantro leaves and chives. Sprinkle with reserved grapefruit zest to taste. Serve with remaining coconut milk mixture on the side.

Notes

• Always use the freshest ingredients you can find.
• Slice the salmon as thin as possible for the best texture.
• Keep the dish simple; the salmon is the star of the show.

The post Salmon Crudo Recipe: Best Christmas Appetizers appeared first on RecipeWikki.