This post is sponsored by Tillamook. All comments and opinions are my own.
There’s so much to enjoy and appreciate about the holidays, but one thing I always love is checking out other people’s decorations, especially their Christmas trees. Everyone has their own style, personality and traditions, and it all shines through in the way they decorate their trees.
That’s why this Tillamook Christmas Tree Cheese Ball is always such a hit when I’m hosting during the holidays. It’s fun, it’s festive, and you can customize it to your own taste just like an actual Christmas tree!
The real gift is how this quick and easy appetizer brings everyone together, though. Decorate it how you like, lay out a spread of your favorite crackers — maybe a little wine— and watch how quick your guests chop this edible tree down.
Preparation is crazy simple and you end up with amazing flavor. Just head into Publix and pick up some Tillamook Cheese and you’ll be on your way to a centerpiece that is sure to impress.
- 8 oz block of Tillamook Medium Cheddar, shredded
- 2 tubs of Tillamook Cream Cheese Spread (14 oz total)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 bunch fresh parsley, chopped
- toasted pine nuts
- Pomegranate arils
- colored bell peppers, cut into small circles
- Tillamook Cheese Snack, sliced into the shape of a star
- Place the shredded cheddar, cream cheese, green onion, garlic powder, black pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl and mix well to combine.
- Lay out a piece of plastic (approx 12″ in length) and place the mixture in the middle.
- Pull the wrap around the cheese, pressing to form a ball.
- Gently press the wrapped cheese ball to create a tree shape, then refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Before serving, roll the tree in the chopped parsley.
- Decorate with pine nuts, Pomegranate arils, colored bell peppers.
- Insert a toothpick into the cheese star and add to the top of the tree.
- Serve with crackers, chips, pretzels, etc.
And while you’re serving up the best snacks the season has to offer, don’t forget to take advantage of the Tillamook Rewards Program! Spend $20 on ANY Tillamook products and you can get a $5 Publix gift card to use during your next shopping trip.
Here’s how to participate:
SHOP — Mix or match $20 worth of any of your favorite Tillamook products, including cream cheese, block cheese, ice cream, and more
SNAP — Snap a clear photo of your receipt with your phone’s camera
SEND — Text CHEESE to 811811 for submission instructions, or go to Tillamookrewards.com
Remember, with this program you simply purchase $20 of any Tillamook products and you’ll earn a $5 Publix gift card. Just head into Publix and pick up delicious cheeses, cream cheese spreads, or ice cream products and you’ll be on your way to earning a gift card.
If you make this fun (and delicious) cheese appetizer, share the photo and tag me on social media!
