Wreath Cheese Spread is a festive appetizer for holiday parties that looks like a Christmas wreath. It is easy to put together and it looks pretty on the table for the holiday season.
Placed on a pretty platter, Wreath Cheese Spread can do double duty as a centerpiece for your holiday spread or you could add it to a charcuterie board. Serve with some crackers, baguette slices or vegetable sticks and you are good to go! You can make it a day or two ahead of time and just add the parsley at the last minute.
Wreath Cheese Spread combines the smoothness of cream cheese with the rich flavor of mayonnaise, and the sharpness of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The crispy, smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the green onions and parsley bring freshness and color to the spread in a festive wreath shape.
If you are looking for another festive holiday appetizer check out Cranberry Chili Glazed Meatballs. If you would like to try another cheese ball mixture with a similar texture to wreath cheese spread but with a sweet taste that is perfect for a holiday cheese platter check out Date Nut Ball.
If you would like to try a festive pasta dish check out Christmas Fettuccine.
SOME THINGS TO KNOW:FAQ”S
INGREDIENT TIPS:
- Allow the cream cheese to reach room temperature before blending. This will ensure a smoother consistency for your spread.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese has a more potent flavor than pre-grated, packaged varieties. Read How to Grate Parmesan Cheese.
- Fresh parsley not only adds a vibrant color but also a the wonderful taste of fresh herbs. It’s best chopped just before using to maintain its flavor and appearance.
SPECIAL EQUIPMENT NEEDED:
- Large Bowl: To blend the cream cheese mixture and to mix in the bacon and green onions.
- Electric Mixer: While not strictly necessary, an electric hand mixer or stand mixer can make blending the cream cheese, mayonnaise, and Parmesan much easier, especially to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. You could also use a whisk to mix it or pulse it slowly together in a food processor.
- 8″ Tube Pan: This is one way to form the round shape. It can also be done without one.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: To fold in the crumbled bacon and green onions into the cream cheese mixture.
- Large Platter or Serving Plate: To shape and serve the wreath spread. Choose a flat one that gives you enough room to shape the wreath.
- Plastic Wrap: If you are preparing the spread in advance, you will need plastic wrap to cover and refrigerate it until it’s time to serve.
SUBSTITUTIONS:
- If you are looking for a lighter version or cream cheese you could use Neufchâtel cheese. It has a similar texture and flavor but less fat.
- For a vegetarian version, you can use a bacon substitute like vegetarian bacon bits. If you want to avoid the smoky flavor, try using chopped nuts for crunch.
- If you don’t have Parmesan cheese you can substitute it with another hard cheese like Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a similar flavor.
HOW TO STORE WREATH CHEESE SPREAD:
- The cheese spread will typically last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.Place any leftover cheese spread in an airtight container. If you’ve already shaped it into a wreath and want to maintain that shape, wrap it gently with plastic wrap.
- Freezing cream cheese mixtures can be a bit tricky due to the texture changes upon thawing. Cream cheese tends to become crumbly and loses some of its smoothness once frozen and then thawed. It is not recommended to freeze this.
HOW TO RE- SERVE WREATH CHEESE SPREAD:
- When you are ready to serve the cheese spread again, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften. It will spread more easily when it’s not straight from the fridge.
Line a small, round tube pan with plastic wrap. The one pictured here is 8.5 inches round with a 2 inch wide well. Spoon the cheese mixture into the pan and spread evenly with a butter knife. Cover with additional plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
Line your tube pan with plastic for easy removal.
To cook the bacon, preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Place the bacon onto a wire rack and place it onto a foil lined baking sheet. Cook for 15-20 minutes until the bacon is crispy. Remove the bacon from the oven and lay the slices onto paper towels to drain the grease. In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, mayonnaise and parmesan cheese in an electric mixer until smooth on medium speed. Stir in the crumbled bacon and green onions. ASSEMBLY OPTIONS: Option 1- Line a small, round tube pan with plastic wrap. The one pictured here is 8.5 inches round with a 2 inch wide well. Spoon the cheese mixture into the pan and spread evenly with a butter knife. Cover with additional plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes. To serve, remove the top layer of plastic wrap and invert pan over serving dish. Remove the pan and the plastic wrap liner. Cover the wreath with chopped parsley. Option 2 – Refrigerate the cheese mixture for 30 minutes. Form the cheese mixture into a long roll with your hands and shape it into a wreath, approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter, on your serving platter. Cover the wreath with chopped parsley. Option 3– Place a small bowl upside down in the middle of a serving platter. Spoon the cheese around the outside of the bowl, all the way around. Remove the bowl and smooth the cheese with a knife or spatula so you have an evenly shaped wreath. Cover the wreath with chopped parsley. This could also be served on a plate or in a bowl if you do want want to make the wreath.Wreath Cheese Spread
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Ingredients
Instructions
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