“Tree’s a Crowd” Cheese Ball

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Looking for the perfect festive appetizer? This cheese ball is a great choice that will steal the show! It's simple, fun to make, and full of flavor. Ideal for any holiday gathering, you can have a blast shaping and decorating it into a Christmas tree. It's a creative way to serve cheese and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

"We love a good cheese ball. They look so pretty especially this one you almost dont want to be the first person to try it, but I dont mind being that person! Invite me over Ill do it!" Rachel

Ingredients

This recipe is developed for the original yield, but ingredients will automatically scale. Note that the cooking times and steps remain the same. Recipe makes 10 servings.

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
• cup butter, softened
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated white Cheddar cheese
• 1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos, drained, patted dry, and chopped
• 1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

For Decorating (to Garnish)

• sliced almonds
• chopped fresh parsley leaves
• pomegranate seeds
• 3 sprigs rosemary (optional)
• 3-inch-long strips of red bell pepper (optional)
• cherry tomatoes (optional)
• assorted crackers and pretzels for serving

Directions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, butter, both Cheddars, pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic. Use a fork to mash and stir everything together until fully combined.

Step 2: Place the cheese mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape it into a ball, wrap it up, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: After the cheese ball has chilled, remove it from the refrigerator and unwrap. Lay it out on a sheet of parchment paper.

Step 4: Roll and mold the cheese ball into the shape of a Christmas tree. Start decorating by pressing sliced almonds into the cheese ball, spiraling them around the "tree" in a garland-like pattern. Wrap the almonds around the tree about three times, starting from the top.

Step 5: Next, gently press chopped parsley leaves around the cheese ball, filling in the areas between the almond "garland." This will give your tree a vibrant, green touch.

Step 6: Press pomegranate seeds into the tree, following the same spiral pattern you used for the almonds. These will add a pop of color and a burst of sweetness to your tree.

Step 7: For the "tree topper," you have a few options. One choice is to use 3 sprigs of rosemary cut off the top portion and insert them into the top of the cheese ball. You can also add a few thin strips of red bell pepper to resemble ribbons flowing down from the top of the tree.

Step 8: Alternatively, you can press or cut a star shape out of red, yellow, or green bell pepper and place it at the top of the tree. A single cherry tomato is also a cute, simple option for a topper.

Step 9: Once your tree is decorated, serve the cheese ball with an assortment of crackers and pretzels for dipping. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition Facts	Per Serving
Calories	367
Total Fat	30g (39%)
Saturated Fat	17g (84%)
Cholesterol	81mg (27%)
Sodium	367mg (16%)
Total Carbohydrate	16g (6%)
Dietary Fiber	3g (10%)
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	10g (20%)
Vitamin C	16mg (18%)
Calcium	232mg (18%)
Iron	1mg (4%)
Potassium	276mg (6%)

Note: Percent daily values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. If following a medically restrictive diet, consult a doctor or dietitian before preparing this recipe.

History and Origin of the Trees a Crowd Cheese Ball

The Trees a Crowd Cheese Ball, popularized by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George, traces its roots to classic American cheese ball recipes that gained popularity in the mid-20th century. Cheese balls themselves emerged in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s, often featured as festive appetizers at holiday parties and social gatherings. Over the decades, the basic cream cheese and cheddar mixture evolved with creative add-ins such as pimentos, nuts, and herbs, reflecting regional tastes and the hosts personal flair. Dolly and Rachels version adds a whimsical holiday twist by shaping it into a Christmas tree, making it both visually striking and flavorful.

Regional Variations and Features

While cheese balls are common across the United States, the Trees a Crowd variant highlights Southern charm and holiday spirit. In the American South, particularly in Tennessee where Dolly Parton hails from, cheese balls often incorporate pimentos, smoked cheeses, and buttery flavors. Garnishes like parsley, almonds, and pomegranate seeds not only enhance presentation but also reflect the regions love of fresh, colorful, and textured accompaniments. This approach differs from Northern variations, which might favor simpler, monochrome coatings such as crushed crackers or paprika.

Distinctive Features Compared to Similar Dishes

Unlike traditional cheese balls that are typically spherical and coated uniformly with nuts or herbs, the Trees a Crowd Cheese Ball is molded into a festive Christmas tree shape. This creative presentation sets it apart from standard versions and other cheese-based appetizers like cheese logs or spreads. The layered garnishing techniquespiraled almonds as garlands, parsley as foliage, and pomegranate seeds as ornamentsoffers a playful aesthetic that doubles as part of the flavor profile. The use of dual cheddar cheeses with pimentos and Worcestershire sauce gives a deeper, more complex taste compared to simpler cream cheese-based recipes.

Typical Occasions and Serving Suggestions

This cheese ball is traditionally served as a holiday appetizer, often at Christmas parties, family gatherings, or festive potlucks. It is designed to be a centerpiece on a snack table, inviting guests to admire its decoration before tasting. Common accompaniments include assorted crackers, pretzels, and sliced vegetables, providing a crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese. Its playful holiday shape makes it particularly popular with families and children, adding a decorative element to the table in addition to being a savory treat.

Interesting Facts

• The recipes name, Trees a Crowd, cleverly plays on the idea of a crowded Christmas tree adorned with decorations, which mirrors the visually dense garnishes of the cheese ball.
• Cheese balls became especially fashionable in mid-century America because they were easy to prepare, visually appealing, and could feed large groups, aligning perfectly with the communal spirit of the holidays.
• Decorative options like rosemary sprigs, bell pepper ribbons, or cherry tomato toppers allow for creative personalization, meaning no two trees are exactly alike.
• While commonly associated with Christmas, the recipe can be adapted for other holidays or events by reshaping the cheese ball and modifying garnishes, demonstrating its versatility.

FAQ about “Tree’s a Crowd” Cheese Ball