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