“Tree’s a Crowd” Cheese Ball

This festive cheese ball from Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George’s cookbook “Good Lookin’ Cookin'” is guaranteed to be a holiday hit.

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 25 mins

Cook Time: Not available

Total Time: 1 hr 25 mins

Servings: 10

Ingredients

• 2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese , room temperature
• ¼ cup butter , softened
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated white Cheddar cheese
• 1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos , drained, patted dry, and chopped
• 1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 garlic cloves , minced

Steps

1. Combine the cream cheese, butter, both Cheddars, pimentos, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic in a large bowl. Using a fork, mash the ingredients together and stir until well combined.
2. Turn cheese mixture out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape mixture into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
3. Remove cheese ball from refrigerator, unwrap, then turn out onto a sheet of parchment paper. Roll and mold the cheese ball into the shape of a Christmas tree.
4. Garnish first with sliced almonds: starting at the top, insert them in a spiral shape around the cheese ball to resemble a garland, wrapping around the “tree” about three times. Then, using your fingers, press in chopped parsley all around the “tree.” Lastly, press the pomegranate seeds into the “tree” in a spiral pattern as you did with the almonds.
5. The “tree topper” is up to you. One option is to use rosemary sprigs and red pepper strips. Cut the top portion off 3 sprigs and stick them into the top of the “tree.” Then cut a few thin 3-inch-long strips of red bell pepper, placing them like ribbon billowing down from the top of the tree. Another option is to press or cut a star out of the flesh of red, yellow, or green bell pepper. Or simply use a single cherry tomato.
6. Serve with assorted crackers and pretzels for dipping.