Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Nothing embodies the spirit of a perfect hostess quite like a delightful and eye-catching antipasto Christmas tree. This cheesy appetizer creation doubles as a festive decoration and a crowd-pleasing treat for your holiday party. At its core, it’s a cheeseball packed with all the classic flavors of a traditional antipasto platter—marinated and pickled vegetables, spicy cured meats, and savory, nutty cheeses—all blended with creamy cream cheese. Serve it alongside your favorite crackers or crostini for a dish that’s both decorative and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 cups finely shredded Provolone
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan
- 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 c.)
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 Tbsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
- 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
- Crackers or crostini, for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, toss Provolone, Parmesan, pepperoncini, almonds, salami, artichokes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes with a fork until combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold cream cheese into Provolone mixture until well blended.
- Place 1 (24"-long) sheet plastic wrap on a cutting board or small platter with the long end facing you. Arrange another same-size sheet of plastic on top with the short end facing you. Pile cream cheese mixture into center of plastic. Drape plastic over cream cheese mixture and form into a Christmas tree shape, standing it upright. Tightly wrap shaped cheese in plastic and chill until cold, about 30 minutes.
- Remove plastic wrap from cheese. Gently pat olives dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Decorate cream cheese tree with olives, red peppers, and rosemary.
- Using a paring knife or a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a star from mozzarella. Insert a toothpick into bottom of star and insert into top of tree. Serve with crackers alongside.
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