Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball by Ree Drummond is made with cream cheese, sharp Cheddar cheese, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, scallions, lemon juice, fresh parsley, fresh dill, and pomegranate seeds. This delicious Christmas Tree Cheese Ball recipe creates a festive and tasty appetizer that takes about 1 hour to prepare and can serve up to 12 people.

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 ounces cream cheese (1 package)
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup)
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 to 3 dashes Worcestershire sauce
• 3 scallions, sliced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate seeds
• Buttery crackers (like Ritz), for serving

How To Cook Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Cheese Ball:

1. Prepare the Mixture: In a food processor, combine cream cheese, sharp Cheddar, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, sliced scallions, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is nearly smooth, with a few bits of cheese remaining.
2. Chill: Transfer the mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap and shape it into a ball. Wrap tightly and freeze for 30 minutes to firm up.
3. Shape and Coat: After chilling, shape the cheese mixture into a Christmas tree or cone shape using the plastic wrap to help form it. On a plate or work surface, mix the chopped parsley and dill. Roll or press the cheese tree into the herb mixture to coat evenly.
4. Decorate: Place the decorated cheese tree on a platter. Garnish with pomegranate seeds as ornaments.
5. Serve: Arrange buttery crackers around the cheese tree and enjoy at your holiday gatherings!

Recipe Tips

• Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing. This helps it blend smoothly with the Cheddar and other ingredients.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best texture, shred your own sharp Cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often has added preservatives that can affect the consistency.
• Freeze the Mixture for Easier Shaping: Don’t skip the freezing step. It firms up the mixture, making it much easier to shape into a Christmas tree or cone.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and dill not only add a vibrant flavor but also a nice visual appeal. Make sure to chop them finely for an even coating.
• Decorate Just Before Serving: Add the pomegranate seeds and arrange the crackers right before serving to keep everything fresh and visually appealing.

How To Store & Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate: Let any leftover cheese ball cool to room temperature. Then, cover it with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: You can freeze the cheese ball for up to 1 month. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight before serving. Don’t refreeze after thawing.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 12 servings total)

• Calories: 180
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Cholesterol: 50mg
• Sodium: 250mg
• Potassium: 120mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 2g
• Dietary Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 10g

Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:

• Pioneer Woman Cranberry Pecan Cheese Ball
• Pioneer Woman Salmon Cakes
• Pioneer Woman Garlic Ranch Party Mix
• Pioneer Woman Christmas Tree Pizza
• Pioneer Woman Tortellini Skewers