This pesto cheesecball wreath makes such a festive holiday appetizer. Cream cheese, basil and cherry tomatoes create a flavor explosion! Easy to make with minimal ingredients, this gorgeous wreath will be the star of your Christmas party.
In your food processor, combine basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper.
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.
Stir thoroughly or beat at a low-medium speed until well mixed.
Shape into wreath form. You can do this in several ways, I go into more detail in the recipe notes below.
Cover, refrigerate for three hours or until firm.
Add your remaining chopped basil and sliced cherry tomatoes to the top for the wreath effect.
Notes
There are a couple ways to create this wreath form! Here's a few tips and methods that will create different looks.
My method: 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 quick tip? 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.