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Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

Creamy Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball for Festive Fun

This Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a playful and creamy appetizer that delights guests during the holidays.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Refrigeration Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Appetizers
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

Cheese Base
  • 8 oz Cream Cheese softened
  • 1 cup Finely Shredded Provolone
  • 1 cup Finely Shredded Parmesan
Savory Fillings
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Pepperoncini
  • 1/2 cup Finely Chopped Salami or Pepperoni
  • 1/2 cup Marinated Artichoke Hearts
  • 2 cloves Chopped Garlic
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
Crunchy Texture
  • 1/2 cup Chopped Blanched Almonds
  • 1 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional
Decorative Elements
  • 1/2 cup Halved Green Cerignola Olives
  • 1/2 cup Halved Kalamata Olives
  • 1/2 cup Halved Black Cerignola Olives
  • 1 cup Roasted Red Peppers
  • 1 slice Fresh Mozzarella 1/2-inch thick, serves as trunk
  • 3 sprigs Rosemary for decoration
Serving
  • 1 pkg Crackers or Crostini

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • serving platter

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, blend 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of finely shredded provolone, and 1 cup of finely shredded Parmesan. Add in 1/2 cup of chopped pepperoncini, 1/2 cup of finely chopped salami or pepperoni, 1/2 cup of marinated artichoke hearts, 2 cloves of chopped garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Mix until everything is fully incorporated and creamy, ensuring a smooth and spreadable texture.
  2. Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and start forming the mixture into a triangular tree shape. Place the shaped cheese ball onto a serving platter.
  3. Use fresh rosemary sprigs for the branches of your cheese ball tree. Slice a 1/2-inch thick piece of fresh mozzarella for the trunk and place it at the bottom. Scatter halved olives and extra salami for decoration.
  4. Allow the cheese ball to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving, alongside an assortment of crunchy crackers or crostini.
  5. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if not serving immediately.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 6gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 430mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 10IUCalcium: 20mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for smooth blending. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

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