Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Updated Dec 01, 2025, Published Oct 22, 2020
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
A Fresh Take on a Holiday Classic
When the holidays roll around, nothing kicks off a party quite like a festive appetizer — and the Christmas Tree Cheese Ball absolutely delivers. With its creamy, savory center and bright green, tree-shaped exterior, this simple recipe instantly becomes the star of any holiday spread. It’s gluten-free, make-ahead friendly, and almost too cute to eat. Almost.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
This recipe remains a holiday favorite for several reasons:
It’s Eye-Catching and Festive
The iconic tree shape, the fresh parsley “branches,” and the almond or cranberry “ornaments” create a centerpiece-worthy appetizer that brings instant joy to the table.
It’s Naturally Gluten-Free
Because the base is made from cheese, herbs, and nuts, it naturally fits into a gluten-free lifestyle. Pair it with gluten-free crackers or fresh veggies for the perfect party board.
It’s a Make-Ahead Dream
You can assemble the cheese ball the day before, let it rest in the fridge, and pull it out just before guests arrive. No stress, no baking, no last-minute chaos.
It’s Simple to Build
Even though it looks impressive, the process is easy. Mix, shape, chill, decorate — that’s it. No cooking skills necessary.
What You’ll Need
To get the most out of your Christmas Tree Cheese Ball experience, gather:
- Cream cheese – softened so it blends smoothly
- Shredded cheddar cheese – finely shredded for the best texture
- Seasonings – simple spices like onion powder or garlic powder, depending on your preferred flavor
- Fresh herbs – parsley is what gives it the gorgeous evergreen look
- Sliced almonds or dried cranberries – for the “ornaments”
- Gluten-free crackers or veggies – for serving
- Parchment or wax paper – makes shaping the tree easier
These simple ingredients come together to create an appetizer that looks far more complicated than it actually is.
Tips and Variations
Shape Smarter, Not Harder
Form the tree on parchment paper so you can adjust the angles and smooth out edges with ease. After chilling, it transfers cleanly to a serving board.
Decorate Creatively
Parsley offers the perfect festive green, but you can mix in dill or chives for more texture. Cranberries, almonds, pecans, or even pomegranate seeds add beautiful pops of color.
Make Two Smaller Trees
If you’re serving multiple small gatherings — or have a long grazing board — divide the mixture and form two mini trees instead. They’re adorable and practical.
Go Nut-Free If Needed
Substitute pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds if nuts are an issue, or skip them entirely. The parsley alone still gives you a beautiful finish.
Flavor Boosts
Mix in roasted garlic, chopped scallions, or a splash of hot sauce to customize the flavor.
How to Serve It
This festive cheese ball pairs perfectly with:
- Gluten-free crackers
- Cucumber rounds
- Bell pepper strips
- Carrot sticks
- Gluten-free pretzels
- Apple slices for a sweet-savory contrast
It also looks gorgeous on a charcuterie board surrounded by nuts, olives, dried fruit, and cured meats.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance can I make this?
You can make the cheese ball up to 24 hours ahead. Keep it tightly wrapped in plastic and decorate it right before serving.
Can I freeze a cheese ball?
Freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the herbs and cheeses can separate or become watery when thawed. It’s best made fresh.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheddar shreds. The texture will be slightly softer, but chilling helps it keep its shape.
What gluten-free crackers pair best?
Seed crackers, almond flour crackers, and gluten-free pretzel crisps add a great crunch and contrast to the creamy cheese.
Can I change the decorations?
Absolutely. Try chopped rosemary for a pine-like look or use pomegranate arils instead of cranberries for bright red “ornaments.”
Why This Cheese Ball Belongs on Every Holiday Table
The Christmas Tree Cheese Ball transforms a classic appetizer into a whimsical, crowd-pleasing showpiece. It’s easy, festive, customizable, and gluten-free — all while being stress-free for the host. Whether you’re attending a potluck, hosting a party, or looking for something fun for a family gathering, this cheese ball guarantees compliments and empty plates.
Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Ingredients
- 16 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, , grated
- 2 (8-ounce/227-gram) packages cream cheese, , at room temperature
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- Kosher or fine sea salt, , to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, , to taste
- 1 cup Italian flat leaf parsley, , finely minced
- ½ cup sliced almonds
Instructions
- Place the cheddar cheese in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until finely ground. Add the cream cheese and process until fully combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl, as needed. Add the cranberries and pulse until fully mixed. Season to taste with salt and pepper but go easy on the salt, as these are typically eaten with crackers. (If you don’t have a food processor, just grate the cheddar cheese finely, chop the cranberries and mix everything in a mixing bowl.)
- Place the parsley on some waxed paper or a flat plate. Using wet hands, form the cheese mixture into a ball, then shape into a cone. Roll the cheese in the parsley, reinforcing the cone shape, as needed. Place on a serving plate.
- Insert the almond slices into the cheese in concentric circles, starting from the bottom going up. Place in the refrigerator for 4 hours. Can be made 1 day ahead; wrap loosely with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Serve with your favorite gluten-free crackers.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
