Description
A festive taco cheese ball shaped as a wreath, combining cream cheese, cheddar, and festive toppings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or Neufchâtel)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar (or Pepper jack)
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup finely chopped sautéed onions and bell peppers
- 1–2 cloves minced garlic (or garlic powder)
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits or crumbled chorizo (optional)
- Chopped olives, jalapeños, or roasted corn for texture
- Tortilla chips, pita chips, or sliced baguette for serving
- Optional toppings: pomegranate seeds, sliced radishes, or a drizzle of crema
Instructions
- Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30–60 minutes.
- In a skillet, melt butter and sauté onions and bell peppers for 4–5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute; allow to cool slightly.
- Combine softened cream cheese with sautéed vegetables, cheddar, sour cream, taco seasoning, cilantro, and bacon/chorizo.
- Mound the mixture into a ring shape using plastic wrap and chill for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare toppings while chilling.
- Unwrap chilled wreath and spread toppings evenly over the surface.
- Serve with chips, crackers, or sliced veggies.
Notes
Chill longer for a firmer wreath. Consider using a mix of cheeses for richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chilling and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Christmas, appetizer, cheese ball, festive, taco
