Christmas Philly Wreath
A festive and savory cheese and pastrami wreath, perfect for holiday gatherings. Combines creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and spicy meat for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together cream cheese, chopped green onions, parsley, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.
- Form the mixture into a wreath shape on a party plate.
- Arrange slices of pastrami dried meat around the wreath.
- Sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of parsley on top for decoration.
- Chill overnight to allow flavors to blend well.
- Serve on vegetables or crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your wreath, consider adding chopped bell peppers or olives for a pop of color and taste. If you need a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the cream cheese. For a vegetarian version, replace the pastrami with roasted red peppers or marinated artichokes. This dish can be prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Christmas Philly Wreath with a variety of crunchy vegetables such as carrots, celery, and bell peppers, or alongside an assortment of crackers for a delightful appetizer. This festive dish pairs beautifully with Aunt Susie Frey's Sugar Cookies for a sweet finish. Consider adding a seasonal fruit platter to create a colorful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover wreath in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you plan to reheat, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the consistency of the cream cheese.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Philly Wreath contains roughly 649 calories, with 73g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (148% of the Daily Value), and protein (146% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 42g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the wreath ahead of time?
Yes, this wreath can be made a day in advance. Simply prepare it and chill it overnight to allow the flavors to develop. This also makes it a convenient option for holiday parties, freeing up your time on the day of the event.
What can I substitute for cream cheese?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt. This will maintain a creamy texture while reducing calories. Alternatively, vegan cream cheese can be used for a dairy-free option.
How do I prevent the wreath from getting soggy?
To keep your wreath from becoming soggy, ensure that all ingredients, especially the vegetables, are well-drained before mixing. Serve it with drier accompaniments like crackers, and avoid pre-slicing or pre-soaking vegetables until just before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).