Description

This festive Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is a creamy and savory holiday appetizer featuring a blend of provolone, parmesan, cream cheese, and flavorful antipasto ingredients like pepperoncini, salami, artichokes, and marinated olives. Molded into a beautiful Christmas tree shape and decorated with olives, roasted red peppers, and fresh rosemary, it’s perfect for holiday parties and gatherings. Serve with crackers or crostini for an impressive and delicious appetizer everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Cheese Mixture

2 cups finely shredded Provolone
1 cup finely shredded Parmesan
4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature

Antipasto Ingredients

2/3 cup chopped pepperoncini
1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped
4 oz. salami or pepperoni, finely chopped
2 marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped (about 3/4 cup)
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Decoration

6 oz. pitted marinated green Cerignola olives, halved
4 oz. marinated Kalamata olives, halved
2 oz. pitted marinated black Cerignola olives, halved
4 oz. roasted red peppers, cut into 3/4″ pieces
Rosemary sprigs, for decorating
1 (1/2″-thick) slice fresh mozzarella (for star)

To Serve

Crackers or crostini

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Instructions

Mix Cheese and Antipasto Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the Provolone, Parmesan, chopped pepperoncini, chopped almonds, finely chopped salami, chopped artichoke hearts, garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and crushed red pepper flakes with a fork until evenly combined. Then, using a rubber spatula, fold in the softened cream cheese until well blended and smooth.
Shape the Cheese Ball: Lay one 24-inch sheet of plastic wrap lengthwise on a cutting board or small platter, then place another same-size sheet on top crosswise. Pile the cream cheese mixture into the center of the plastic wraps. Drape the plastic over the mixture and carefully shape it into a Christmas tree form, standing it upright, ensuring the shape is firm and holds. Wrap tightly with the plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator until cold and firm, about 30 minutes.
Decorate the Cheese Tree: Remove the plastic wrap from the cheese tree. Gently pat the olives dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Decorate the surface of the cheese tree with the halved green Cerignola olives, Kalamata olives, black Cerignola olives, roasted red peppers, and rosemary sprigs to mimic ornaments and greenery.
Add the Mozzarella Star: Using a paring knife or a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut a star shape from the fresh mozzarella slice. Attach a toothpick to the bottom of the star and insert it gently at the top of the tree to complete the festive look.
Serve: Present the Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball on a serving platter with crackers or crostini alongside for guests to enjoy as a savory holiday appetizer.

Notes

This cheese ball combines savory Italian flavors with festive presentation, perfect for holiday parties.
You can substitute pepperoni for salami based on preference.
Make sure cream cheese is softened to blend easily into the cheese mixture.
Allow enough chilling time so the cheese tree holds its shape when served.
Olives and roasted red peppers add both flavor and color to decorate.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 piece (approximately 1/24th of the cheese ball)
Calories: 160
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 310 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Protein: 6 g
Cholesterol: 40 mg