Make Ahead Appetizers for Christmas: Pesto Cheeseball Wreath
Find the easiest make ahead appetizers for Christmas and beyond! We've got a collection of my favorite easy appetizers and Christmas finger foods, as well as a printable recipe for our famous pesto cheeseball wreath to get you started!
In a food processor, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper.
1 cup basil, 1 tablespoon pine nuts, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon garlic, ½ cup parmesan, salt and pepper, ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
In a large mixing bowl or the fitted bowl of your stand mixer, combine softened cream cheese with shredded mozzarella and the pesto sauce from your food processor.
16 ounces cream cheese, 2 cups mozzarella
Stir thoroughly or beat at a low-medium speed until well mixed.
Shape into wreath form.
Cover, refrigerate for three hours or until firm.
Add your remaining chopped basil and sliced cherry tomatoes to the top for the wreath effect.
1 cup basil, ½ cup cherry tomatoes
Notes
There are a couple ways to create this wreath form! Here’s are two methods that will create different looks.
Make a cheeseball in a bowl – just a classic round/circular shape. Create a hole in the center, pressing and shaping to flatten. Invert onto a platter and then smooth it out.
Use a bundt pan! Line your bundt pan with plastic wrap, and scoop the cheese mixture into the bundt. Press firmly until it’s evenly flattened throughout.
Another tip: Take a shortcut for this recipe!Eliminate the pesto (ingredients placed in the food processor in the instructions above) and use store bought pesto instead! Simply drain any excess oil and replace those ingredients with 1/3 cup store bought.