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Prep Time:
25 mins
Chill Time:
1 hr
Total Time:
1 hr 25 mins
Servings:
10
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"When looking for an entertaining holiday appetizer, it’s hard to top this one. (Actually, it’s easy to top it—you just have to decide which option you want to use!) I enjoy being creative and sharing ideas like this—it’s so much fun to make!" — Dolly
"We love a good cheese ball. They look so pretty—especially this one—you almost don’t want to be the first person to try it, but I don’t mind being that person! Invite me over—I’ll do it!" — Rachel
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Ingredients
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2 (8-ounce) blocks cream cheese, room temperature
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¼ cup butter, softened
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1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
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1 cup grated white Cheddar cheese
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1 (4-ounce) jar pimentos, drained, patted dry, and chopped
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1½ tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
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2 garlic cloves, minced
For Decorating (to Garnish)
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sliced almonds
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chopped fresh parsley leaves
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pomegranate seeds
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3 sprigs rosemary (optional)
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a few 3-inch-long red bell pepper strips (optional)
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cherry tomatoes (optional)
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assorted crackers and pretzels, for serving
Directions
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.
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Turn cheese mixture out onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Shape mixture into a ball, wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Serve with assorted crackers and pretzels for dipping.
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Courtesy of Penguin Random House LLC
Buy Now: Good Lookin’ Cookin’ by Dolly Parton and Rachel George Parton
From the book GOOD LOOKIN’ COOKIN’: A Year of Meals – A Lifetime of Friends, Family, and Food by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George. Text copyright © 2024 by Dolly Parton and Rachel Parton George. Photograph copyright © 2024 by Aubrie Pick. Published in the United States by Ten Speed Press, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Penguin Random House LLC.
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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
367
Calories
30g
Fat
16g
Carbs
10g
Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe
10
Calories
367
% Daily Value *
Total Fat
30g
39%
Saturated Fat
17g
84%
Cholesterol
81mg
27%
Sodium
367mg
16%
Total Carbohydrate
16g
6%
Dietary Fiber
3g
10%
Total Sugars
10g
Protein
10g
20%
Vitamin C
16mg
18%
Calcium
232mg
18%
Iron
1mg
4%
Potassium
276mg
6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.
(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
