Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree is a showstopper! Move over antipasto platters…this Christmas tree is even better!
The ultimate holiday cheese ball recipe! Full of sun dried tomatoes, red bell peppers, chives and seasonings on the inside. It’s the OUTSIDE is where it gets serious with antipasto Christmas tree decorations! Serve it on a platter with cold meats such as salami and prosciutto, PLUS crackers!
CHRISTMAS TREE
What better way to kick off your festivities than with an edible Christmas tree? A fully loaded cheese ball tree filled with your favourite antipasti ingredients.
WHAT CHEESE IS BEST FOR CHEESE BALLS?
Packaged cream cheese will work here, as in full fat or low fat. I don’t suggest using spreadable cream cheese as it may collapse before serving, while packaged cream cheese hardens back up in the refrigerator after shaping.
Make sure your cream cheese is easy to work with and softened to help mix the other ingredients through it properly. Take it out of the refrigerator at least half an hour before starting the dip for easier mixing.
The dip part is extremely versatile. If you want to add different ingredients to suit your tastes, go for it!
How To Make Cheese Ball Christmas Tree
- To mould the tree out of your cream cheese dip, you’ll need to place a piece of plastic wrap down on your bench top first, then scoop out the prepared dip onto the plastic wrap.
- Place another piece of plastic wrap over it to cover it and mould it with your hands until it forms a tree. Depending on the width of your plastic wrap, you may need a second piece to completely cover it so you don’t get dip all over your hands.
- The cream cheese is more stable in a wider tree shape rather than a tall, thin tree. The taller tree folds over and collapses.
- If you find your cream cheese has softened too much and won’t hold its shape, refrigerate it until it thickens again.
If you need a visual, watch the video at the bottom of this post!
CHRISTMAS TREE CHEESE BALL
After you’ve moulded it, use a cake spatula or knife to smooth it out.
Then cover it completely wth antipasto ingredients! I used mixed olives and sun dried tomatoes for mine, and used a yellow bell pepper (capsicum) to cut out a star for the top! THEN, for added flavour, brush over the olives with some sun dried tomato oil from the jar! YUM!
The BEST holiday cheese ball!
How long can a cheese ball keep in the refrigerator?
Cheese balls will usually last for 24 to 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Creamy deliciousness on the inside of this Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree!
Looking for more Christmas Showstoppers?
Caprese Christmas Wreath
Bloomin’ Onion Garlic Bread (Pull Apart Bread)
Brown Sugar Mustard Glazed Ham Recipe
ANTIPASTO CHEESE BALL CHRISTMAS TREEÂ ON VIDEO!
ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED DECEMBER 12, 2017.
Antipasto Cheese Ball Christmas Tree
Ingredients
For The Dip:
- 4 cups cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell peppers (or capsicum
), diced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely diced
- 1/4 cup chives, chopped
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder

- Salt, to taste (if desired)
For The Decorations:

- 1 1/2 - 2 cups pitted mixed olives (I use a variety of black, green and Kalamata olives) -- dried with paper towel
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (dried with paper towel)
- Rosemary leaves/sprigs to decorate
- Ritz, water crackers or pretzels for serving
- Salami slices, for serving
- Prosciutto slices, for serving
Instructions
- In a bowl combine all the ingredients for the dip and mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Place a piece of non-stick plastic wrap on a clean bench top or work surface. Scoop the cream cheese mixture out onto the plastic wrap and completely cover with another piece of wrap (you may need two pieces to cover it).
- Use your hands to mould the cream cheese into a tree shape. Then, carefully pick up the tree with one hand and peel off the plastic wrap on the bottom of the tree with your other hand. Place the tree straight onto a serving plate.
- Use a cake spatula to smooth the edges. Decorate with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary leaves/sprigs, lightly pressing each element into the cream cheese to ensure they stay on. Brush with some sun dried tomato oil from the jar (optional but adds even more flavour)!
- Top with a star cut out of a yellow or orange bell pepper OR a thick slice of cheese.
- Serve with crackers of your choice, salami and prosciutto slices rolled up!ENJOY!
Notes
- The cream cheese is more stable in a wider tree shape rather than a tall, thin tree. The taller tree folds over and collapses.
- If you find your cream cheese has softened too much and won't hold its shape, refrigerate it until it thickens again (about 20 minutes).
- Pat dry each olive and sun dried tomato on a sheet of paper towel before decorating your tree to make sure they stay on, or they may slide off if covered in oil from the jar.
Margaret Green says
Can’t wait to try this for our New Years Eve Festivities. Christmas is very low key this year but the family will be together for the New Year. I might try shaping it into a star shape instead.
Joanne A says
Cheese ball has been a family favourite for years. We always have it Christmas Eve. My son now makes it. I’ve never shaped mine into a tree but it does look pretty. I’m sitting here in my apron taking a break from preparing appys for tonight. Best get back to it! ?
Lynda Winn says
I really enjoy your recipes they are wonderful I can not wait too make this as well this is so pretty for presentation I sure it is amazing in taste as well, we are going too have a small gathering together making Personsl favorites and sharing memories with a fire and pictures And make homemade hot cocoa with everyone involved and participating in, too remember this holiday for when time passes and we are 20 years down the road too treasure I can not thank you again for the amazing recipes you bring us too share and make too share with our families, Merry Christmas Lynda
Bill Hampton says
We will be spending Christmas a day early as I am working on Christmas Day. The kids are NOT disappointed at all 😉
Alyssa Kent says
Looking forward to face-timing with my daughter in Italy where she is stationed with the United States Air Force! Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday!
Shae H. says
For Christmas Eve I’m going to a friend’s house for dinner. I wasn’t sure about what to bring. Now I have an idea. This tree is just too cute, I have to make it. I’m sure it’s something the guests will be impressed with. Thank you!
Ann Wilson says
This year was especially meaningful to me. My Daughter and Great Grand Daughter from Arizona and my Grand Daughter and her newly found boyfriend (future daddy to her son), and my new Great Grandson (1 1/2) from Texas, both of whom I am meeting for the first time will be joining me in my home in Las Vegas this year. I didn’t have much to spend on them this year as I am retired and living on that now and I got caught up in 2 scams which took my money but didn’t get anything in return but the riches I got by having my adoring family with me and them ALL being SO understanding lifted my spirits up to the highest level this year. I LOVE them ALL so much and hoping God will keep me around till next year so I can see them ALL again here in my home. By the way, Karina, you MUST let ALL of us know just how YOU and your family spent Christmas this year…if WE can tell, then SO can you…..
Laura Moyer says
my spouse passed away last year so spending this Christmas with friends. I just love your recipes ive tried several and they are all amazingly good and easy!
Diane L Plant says
What a delightful presentation for a cheese ball appetizer. I can see making many different sizes with different ingredients on each of them. Less chance for then to tip over. Great idea and I love all your recipes. It is so great to have a go to website when I want to try something new.
Debbie Danner says
Me and my two kids will be at mom’s for Christmas and we’re having a beef roast for dinner. Something differe t this year. This antipasta Christmas Tree is fabulous! What a great centerpiece. It would definitely steal the show. Can’t wait to try it!
Christina B. says
I look forward to making this yummy appetizer and bringing it to my Daughter’s for Christmas day to watch my Grandchildren open their presents!