This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a fun, festive twist on a classic party appetizer. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with taco flavor, it’s shaped into a holiday wreath and coated in crunchy tortilla chips for the perfect textural bite. Easy to make ahead and endlessly customizable, it’s a guaranteed holiday crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for coating)
- Fresh veggies and tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, and taco seasoning.
- Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, mix until the cheeses and seasoning are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, black olives, and cilantro until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to help you shape it into a large ball.
- Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 30–60 minutes, or until it is firm enough to handle easily.
- Place the crushed tortilla chips in a shallow dish. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll and press it in the chips until fully coated.
- Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter. Use your hands to carefully shape it into a wreath, forming a circular ring with an empty center.
- If desired, garnish the wreath with extra cilantro, chopped veggies, or cherry tomato “berries” for a more festive look.
- Chill the cheese ball wreath for at least 30 minutes more, or until firm, before serving.
- Serve with fresh veggies and tortilla chips for dipping.
Variation
- Spicy Fiesta Wreath: Add 1–2 finely chopped jalapeños (seeded for less heat), use spicy taco seasoning, and garnish with sliced pickled jalapeños on top.
- Meaty Taco Wreath: Fold in 1/2–3/4 cup cooled, well-drained cooked taco-seasoned ground beef or chorizo for a heartier appetizer.
- Southwest Ranch Wreath: Replace half the taco seasoning with dry ranch seasoning mix and add 1/2 cup corn kernels (well drained) for a creamy Southwest twist.
Cooking Notes
- Let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving so it’s easier to scoop and spread.
- Crush the tortilla chips just before coating to keep them extra crisp and crunchy on the outside of the wreath.
- If your mixture feels too soft to shape, chill it longer; if it’s cracking when shaped, let it warm slightly at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a mix of dippers: tortilla chips, pretzel thins, celery sticks, bell pepper strips, cucumber rounds, and crackers.
- Arrange cherry tomatoes, extra olives, and cilantro or parsley sprigs around the wreath for a holiday centerpiece look.
- Pair with other festive bites like mini tacos, nachos, or a salsa bar for a fun, taco-themed holiday spread.
Tips
- Line a small bowl or round container with plastic wrap and press the cheese mixture inside, then invert to help create an even ring shape for the wreath.
- Make this up to 24 hours ahead; store tightly wrapped in the fridge and add the tortilla chip coating just before serving for maximum crunch.
- Use gloves when shaping the wreath to keep the cheese mixture from sticking to your hands and to maintain a clean, smooth finish.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes active
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 9 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this cheese ball wreath ahead of time?
-answer Yes. You can prepare the cheese mixture and shape it up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator. For best crunch, wait to coat it in crushed tortilla chips until 30–60 minutes before serving. - How do I prevent the wreath from falling apart?
-answer Chill the cheese ball well before shaping and again after forming the wreath. Using cold, firm cheese helps it hold its shape. If it feels too soft, simply return it to the fridge until more solid. - Can I freeze the cheese ball?
-answer You can freeze the uncoated cheese ball (without tortilla chips) for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then coat with chips and shape into a wreath before serving. - What can I use instead of tortilla chips for coating?
-answer Try crushed Doritos, Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs for a different flavor and texture. You can also mix in finely chopped nuts or extra shredded cheese for added crunch and color.
Conclusion
This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is everything you want in a holiday appetizer: bold, zesty taco flavor wrapped up in a creamy, crunchy, show-stopping centerpiece. Prep it ahead, customize it with your favorite mix-ins, and watch it disappear as guests dig in bite after festive bite.
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Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes (including chilling)
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian (if using vegetarian taco seasoning)
Description
This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a fun, festive twist on a classic party appetizer. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with taco flavor, it’s shaped into a holiday wreath and coated in crunchy tortilla chips for the perfect textural bite. Easy to make ahead and endlessly customizable, it’s a guaranteed holiday crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 packet taco seasoning (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup black olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips (for coating)
- Fresh veggies and tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, and taco seasoning.
- Using a hand mixer or sturdy spatula, mix until the cheeses and seasoning are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the chopped green onions, red bell pepper, black olives, and cilantro until evenly distributed throughout the cheese mixture.
- Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to help you shape it into a large ball.
- Refrigerate the wrapped cheese ball for 30–60 minutes, or until it is firm enough to handle easily.
- Place the crushed tortilla chips in a shallow dish. Unwrap the chilled cheese ball and gently roll and press it in the chips until fully coated.
- Transfer the coated cheese ball to a serving platter. Use your hands to carefully shape it into a wreath, forming a circular ring with an empty center.
- If desired, garnish the wreath with extra cilantro, chopped veggies, or cherry tomato “berries” for a more festive look.
- Chill the cheese ball wreath for at least 30 minutes more, or until firm, before serving.
- Serve with fresh veggies and tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
- For best flavor and texture, use full-fat cream cheese and freshly shredded cheese from the block.
- Adjust the taco seasoning to taste—add more for bolder flavor or less for a milder version.
- Make sure the cream cheese is fully softened so it mixes smoothly without lumps.
- Chilling between shaping and coating helps the wreath hold its shape and makes decorating easier.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus optional 30–60 minutes chilling before shaping)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-bake, chilled
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/10 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 550 mg (approx.)
- Fat: 27 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 14 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 9 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1 g (approx.)
- Protein: 9 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 60 mg (approx.)
Keywords: Christmas taco cheese ball wreath, holiday appetizer, taco cheese ball, Christmas party snack, make-ahead appetizer
