Create a festive centerpiece with this Tropical Cheese Ball Christmas Tree a delightful tower of creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s both delicious and visually stunning.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, adds a festive touch)
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
- Extra dried cranberries (for decoration)
- Pineapple pieces or a small cheese star (tree topper)
- Crackers, toast, or pita chips for serving
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, pecans, red bell pepper, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour until it firms up and becomes easier to shape.
- Once chilled, use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion the mixture into walnut-sized balls, yielding about 20–25 mini cheese balls. Roll each one gently between your hands to form smooth spheres.
- Place the chopped pecans in a shallow bowl and roll each cheese ball in the nuts until evenly coated.
- On a large serving platter, assemble the cheese balls into a Christmas tree shape by starting with 6–7 balls at the base, then stack rows of 5, 4, 3, 2, and finish with 1 at the top.
- Decorate by placing dried cranberries as “ornaments” and add a pineapple piece or a tiny cheese star at the very top as the tree topper.
- Serve chilled with crackers, toast, or pita chips. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Variation
- Add 1 tablespoon of honey for a sweeter flavor.
- Include 1 teaspoon of finely chopped jalapeño for a spicy version.
- Substitute ½ of the cream cheese with mascarpone for extra creaminess.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure pineapple is fully drained to maintain proper texture.
- Prepare a day in advance for easier handling and flavor development.
- Chilling helps in easily forming the cheese balls, preventing sticking.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with an assortment of crackers and vegetable sticks.
- Serve as part of a holiday charcuterie board.
- Garnish the platter with fresh herbs for an extra festive look.
Tips
- Chilling the mixture ensures the cheese balls hold their shape.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best taste and texture.
- Experiment with different types of nuts or herbs for coating.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare the cheese balls in advance?
Yes, prepare a day ahead and refrigerate. - What type of crackers go best with these cheese balls?
Water crackers and whole grain pair well. - Is it possible to freeze the cheese balls?
It’s not recommended as it may affect the texture. - How long can these be stored in the refrigerator?
Up to 3 days when properly covered.
Conclusion
This Tropical Cheese Ball Christmas Tree with Pecans is a unique blend of flavors that will wow your guests with both its taste and appearance. The combination of tangy pineapple, tart cranberries, and rich, creamy cheese coated in crunchy pecans culminates in a perfect holiday treat. Easy to make and delightful to eat, it transforms a simple cheese ball into a beautiful festive display, ensuring your holiday gathering is a hit.
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Tropical Cheese Ball Christmas Tree with Pecans
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 20-25 mini cheese balls 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Create a festive centerpiece with this Tropical Cheese Ball Christmas Tree a delightful tower of creamy cheese, sweet pineapple, tart cranberries, and crunchy pecans. Perfect for holiday gatherings, it’s both delicious and visually stunning.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup crushed pineapple, well drained
- ½ cup dried cranberries, chopped
- ½ cup chopped pecans
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional, adds a festive touch)
- 2 tablespoons chives or green onions, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped pecans (for coating)
- Extra dried cranberries (for decoration)
- Pineapple pieces or a small cheese star (tree topper)
- Crackers, toast, or pita chips for serving
Instructions
- Combine the softened cream cheese, well-drained crushed pineapple, chopped cranberries, pecans, red bell pepper, chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully combined and smooth.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate the mixture for 1 hour until it firms up and becomes easier to shape.
- Once chilled, use a teaspoon or small scoop to portion the mixture into walnut-sized balls, yielding about 20–25 mini cheese balls. Roll each one gently between your hands to form smooth spheres.
- Place the chopped pecans in a shallow bowl and roll each cheese ball in the nuts until evenly coated.
- On a large serving platter, assemble the cheese balls into a Christmas tree shape by starting with 6–7 balls at the base, then stack rows of 5, 4, 3, 2, and finish with 1 at the top.
- Decorate by placing dried cranberries as “ornaments” and add a pineapple piece or a tiny cheese star at the very top as the tree topper.
- Serve chilled with crackers, toast, or pita chips. Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy.
Notes
- Sweeter version: Add 1 tablespoon honey.
- Spicy kick: Mix in 1 teaspoon finely chopped jalapeño.
- Extra creamy: Substitute ½ the cream cheese with mascarpone.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese ball
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Christmas, Holiday, Cheese Ball, Appetizer, Festive
