Description
A festive, crowd-pleasing appetizer featuring creamy taco-flavored cheese shaped into a wreath, coated in crispy tortilla chips, and garnished with colorful veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
- 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning (or 2 tablespoons homemade blend)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups crushed tortilla chips (yellow or blue corn; use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/2 cup finely chopped toasted pecans (optional)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or fresh cilantro
- 1/2 cup crispy tortilla strips
- Assorted crackers, tortilla chips, sliced bell peppers, cucumber rounds for serving
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, blend softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy (2-3 minutes).
- Add taco seasoning, green onions, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix until evenly combined.
- Lay a large sheet of plastic wrap on the counter. Scoop the cheese mixture onto the center, gather the edges, and shape into a log, then form into a ring or wreath about 8 inches in diameter. Twist ends to secure and smooth out the shape. Chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).
- Crush tortilla chips and mix with toasted pecans (if using). Pour onto a large plate.
- Unwrap the chilled cheese ball wreath and gently press it into the crispy coating, rolling to cover all sides evenly. Pat the coating on with clean hands.
- Transfer the coated wreath to a serving platter. Reshape as needed.
- Decorate with halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, chopped green onions, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips.
- Surround the wreath with crackers, tortilla chips, and veggie dippers. Let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Chill and coat
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: Crispy Taco Cheese Ball, Cheese Ball, Appetizer