Name: Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 2 c. finely shredded Provolone -; 1 c. finely shredded Parmesan -; 2/3 c. chopped pepperoncini -; 1/2 c. blanched almonds, chopped -; 4 oz. salami or pepperoni, finely chopped -; 2 marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped (about 3/4 c.) -; 2 cloves garlic, chopped -; 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning -; 1/2 tsp. kosher salt -; 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes -; 4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature -; 6 oz. pitted marinated green Cerignola olives, halved -; 4 oz. marinated Kalamata olives, halved -; 2 oz. pitted marinated black Cerignola olives, halved -; 4 oz. roasted red peppers, cut into 3/4" pieces -; Rosemary sprigs, for decorating -; 1 (1/2"-thick) slice fresh mozzarella -; Crackers or crostini, for serving -

Recipe information

Cooking:

30 min.

Servings per container:

Source:

More details

Ingredients for - Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

1. 2 c. finely shredded Provolone -

2. 1 c. finely shredded Parmesan -

3. 2/3 c. chopped pepperoncini -

4. 1/2 c. blanched almonds, chopped -

5. 4 oz. salami or pepperoni, finely chopped -

6. 2 marinated artichoke hearts, finely chopped (about 3/4 c.) -

7. 2 cloves garlic, chopped -

8. 2 tbsp. Italian seasoning -

9. 1/2 tsp. kosher salt -

10. 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes -

11. 4 (8-oz.) blocks cream cheese, room temperature -

12. 6 oz. pitted marinated green Cerignola olives, halved -

13. 4 oz. marinated Kalamata olives, halved -

14. 2 oz. pitted marinated black Cerignola olives, halved -

15. 4 oz. roasted red peppers, cut into 3/4" pieces -

16. Rosemary sprigs, for decorating -

17. 1 (1/2"-thick) slice fresh mozzarella -

18. Crackers or crostini, for serving -

How to cook deliciously - Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ball

1. Stage

In a large bowl, toss Provolone, Parmesan, pepperoncini, almonds, salami, artichokes, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes with a fork until combined. Using a rubber spatula, fold cream cheese into Provolone mixture until well blended.

2. Stage

Place 1 (24"-long) sheet plastic wrap on a cutting board or small platter with the long end facing you. Arrange another same-size sheet of plastic on top with the short end facing you. Pile cream cheese mixture into center of plastic. Drape plastic over cream cheese mixture and form into a Christmas tree shape, standing it upright. Tightly wrap shaped cheese in plastic and chill until cold, about 30 minutes.

3. Stage

Remove plastic wrap from cheese. Gently pat olives dry with paper towels to remove excess marinade. Decorate cream cheese tree with olives, red peppers, and rosemary.

4. Stage

Using a paring knife or a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut out a star from mozzarella. Insert a toothpick into bottom of star and insert into top of tree. Serve with crackers alongside.