Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath
This Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath is a festive, savory, and crowd-pleasing holiday appetizer shaped like a holiday wreath. It combines creamy cheese, taco seasoning, green onions, jalapeno (optional), shredded cheddar, and spices, rolled in colorful toppings like parsley, bell peppers, and crushed tortilla chips.
Served with crackers, veggies, or tortilla chips, it’s a fun, beautiful centerpiece for your Christmas table!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 10–12 people
Ingredients
For the Cheese Ball
2 packages (8 oz each) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup sour cream
1 packet taco seasoning mix (about 2 tbsp)
¼ cup finely chopped green onions
¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
1–2 tbsp finely diced jalapeno
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt to taste
Coating
½ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
½ cup finely chopped green onions
½ cup chopped red bell pepper
½ cup crushed tortilla chips
To Decorate
- Fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red bell pepper ribbons
For Serving
Tortilla chips
Crackers
Veggie sticks (cucumber, carrots, bell peppers)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, add:
softened cream cheese
sour cream
cheddar cheese
taco seasoning
green onions
red bell pepper
jalapeno
garlic powder
paprika
Mix very well using a spatula or electric mixer until smooth and fully combined.
2. Shape the Wreath
Place a large sheet of plastic wrap on a counter.
Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the wrap.
Form it into a log, then connect both ends to create a circle/wreath shape.
Wrap tightly and smooth out the shape using your hands.
Place the wrapped wreath into the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to firm up.
3. Prepare the Coating
Mix together the chopped:
parsley
green onions
red bell pepper
Spread the mixture evenly on a tray or large plate.
Add crushed tortilla chips to one side of the mixture.
4. Coat the Wreath
Unwrap the chilled cheese ball wreath.
Carefully place it onto the plate of toppings.
Press gently and roll the wreath to coat all sides evenly.
If needed, patch empty spots by hand.
5. Decorate the Wreath
Place fresh rosemary or parsley sprigs around the inside and outside edges to mimic a green wreath.
Add cherry tomatoes as ornaments.
Create a cute bow from sliced red bell pepper strips and place at the bottom.
6. Serve
Place the wreath on a serving platter and surround it with:
crackers
tortilla chips
vegetable sticks
Serve chilled for best texture!
Notes & Tips
Make ahead: You can prepare the cheese mixture 24 hours in advance. Coat just before serving for freshness.
Softer Texture: Add more sour cream if you prefer a creamier spread.
Spice control: Skip jalapeno for a non-spicy version (your preference!).
Color boost: Use festive red and green tortilla chips for a holiday look.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tortilla chips or crackers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I freeze the cheese ball wreath?
Yes, you can freeze the cheese ball (without coating) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then coat before serving.
Q2: Can I use low-fat cream cheese?
Yes! It works well but the texture will be slightly softer.
Q3: How long will it stay fresh?
It stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Q4: What can I use instead of taco seasoning?
Use:
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp cumin
½ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
Salt
(Keep mild to match your non-spicy preference.)
Q5: Can I shape it into something else?
Yes! Form it into a Christmas tree, snowman, or gift box if you prefer.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 155
Protein: 5 g
Fat: 13 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 270 mg