Christmas Taco Cheese Ball Wreath

A festive and colorful holiday appetizer shaped like a cheerful Christmas wreath. This creamy taco cheese ball blends Tex-Mex spices, crunchy veggies, and plenty of cheese for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s fun to serve and even more fun to eat. Perfect for tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh veggies.

Yield
1 large wreath (serves 10–12)

Ingredients

For the Taco Cheese Ball:
2 (8 oz) blocks cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
1 packet taco seasoning (about 2 tablespoons)
½ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ cup finely diced red bell pepper
½ cup finely diced green onions
¼ cup finely diced jalapeño (optional for heat)
2 tablespoons lime juice
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Outer Coating:
1 cup shredded cheddar or Mexican blend cheese
⅓ cup finely diced red bell pepper
⅓ cup finely sliced green onion or fresh parsley
Optional: crushed nacho chips for extra crunch

For Serving:
Tortilla chips
Crackers
Veggie sticks

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Cheese Ball Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, taco seasoning, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cumin, red bell pepper, green onions, jalapeño (optional), lime juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix until smooth and evenly combined.

Step 2: Chill the Mixture
Refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30–45 minutes.
This helps firm it up so it can hold its wreath shape.

Step 3: Form the Wreath Shape
Lay a large piece of plastic wrap on your counter.
Scoop the chilled cheese mixture onto the center and form it into a large round mound.

Create the wreath shape by:

• Pressing a hole in the center with your hand, OR

• Placing a small bowl or cup in the middle and shaping the cheese mixture around it.

Smooth the sides and top so it becomes an even ring.
Wrap lightly in plastic and chill another 30 minutes to help it set.

Step 4: Coat the Wreath
Transfer the formed wreath onto a serving platter.
Press shredded cheese, diced red pepper, and green onion or parsley around the top and sides to create the festive, colorful “wreath” appearance.

Optional Crunch:
Press crushed nacho chips gently along the outer bottom edge for added texture.

Step 5: Serve
Garnish with extra parsley or bell pepper for holiday pops of green and red.
Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.

Kitchen Tips

Soften cream cheese fully for the smoothest mixing.
Chilling twice ensures the wreath holds its shape beautifully.
Add jalapeño, cayenne, or hot sauce for a spicy variation.
Can be made one day ahead—flavors meld wonderfully overnight.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories 240, Protein 8g, Carbohydrates 4g, Fiber 0g, Net Carbohydrates 4g, Fat 21g, Saturated Fat 11g, Cholesterol 55mg, Sodium 390mg, Sugars 2g, Glycemic Index Low