Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball
A festive, savory cheese ball wreath featuring cream cheese, Parmesan, bacon, and green onions, perfect for holiday parties and gatherings, garnished with parsley and pimiento for a colorful presentation.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cream cheese and Miracle Whip salad dressing, mixing until well blended.
- Add grated Parmesan cheese, crumbled bacon, and green onion slices; mix well.
- Chill the mixture in the refrigerator.
- Place a round drinking glass in the center of a serving platter.
- Drop tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture around the glass to form a wreath shape.
- Use a spatula to smooth the surface of the wreath.
- Remove the glass from the center.
- Garnish the wreath with chopped parsley and green pimiento.
- Make a bow from canned red pimiento and place on the wreath for decoration.
- Serve with crackers or Triscuits.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature for a bit longer. You can substitute Greek yogurt for Miracle Whip for a healthier option. If you don't have Parmesan, try using finely shredded cheddar cheese. To elevate the flavor, consider adding minced garlic or finely chopped herbs like dill or chives.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball is perfect for holiday gatherings. Serve it with an assortment of crackers or Triscuits to complement its rich flavors. Pair it with a light salad or fruit platter for a balanced spread. It also goes well with cocktails or festive drinks, making it a great appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you need to reheat it, allow it to come to room temperature before serving to regain its creamy texture. Avoid reheating in the microwave as it can alter the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Wreath Cheese Ball contains roughly 223 calories, with 13g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 697mg per serving (30% of the Daily Value).
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 cheese ball ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese ball mixture a day in advance. Form it into a wreath shape and chill it in the refrigerator. Just garnish it with parsley and pimiento before serving to keep it fresh and visually appealing.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want a vegetarian option, you can substitute the bacon with chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory flavor. Alternatively, use crispy tofu or tempeh for a similar texture without the meat.
How do I serve the cheese ball?
Serve the cheese ball on a festive platter surrounded by an assortment of crackers, breadsticks, or vegetable sticks for dipping. You can also include a small bowl of chutney or fruit preserves to add a sweet contrast to the savory cheese ball.
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).