For a ravenous situation like a holiday party, an edible wreath made of bacon, parmesan cheese, and green onions will garner cheers and OMGs!

A wreath shape embodies the holidays, and this wreath shaped party appetizer will be a festive addition to your holiday lineup. It’s sure to be the focal point on the snack table at your next party!

Remember the homemade cheese balls of yesteryear, the one’s that sported shredded cheddar, freckles of red bell pepper, and a bunch of fresh rosemary from mom’s garden? This is kind of like that “best cheese ball recipe,” but BETTER!

This make-ahead appetizer is super flavorful and the recipe makes about 3 cups which will surely help to feed that room full of party-goers. Cream cheese is the main ingredient and helps the molded party spread to maintain its shape. Adding chopped bacon bits, mayo and scallions and freshly grated Parmesan…well, these ingredients pack the flavor.

The addition of a couple of inventive touches, fresh parsley leaves and flecks of red pimentos, alters all these simple ingredients to ‘official Christmas wreath status’ mimicking holly.

Kitchen Equipment Required

In addition to a large bowl for mixing, I recommend a hand held electric mixer to easily get the task at hand accomplished. Depending on how you intend to serve your appetizer and if you will need to transport it, grab a flat serving platter or line an ungreased large cookie sheet to where not only the circle will fit, but the crackers and vegetables, too.

For best results visually, look for a small bowl or other round item that will give you approximately a 6-inch diameter, around which to form your wreath. You’ll also want plastic wrap, a sheet or two of paper towel for draining the bacon, and a broad spatula or large wooden spoon for texturizing your creation.

How to Assemble An Edible Wreath

Cook the Bacon

Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with heavy gauge aluminum foil and arrange 10 bacon slices. Bake the bacon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until they are a deep golden brown.

PRO TIP: I sometimes purchase shelf-stable, fully cooked bacon and find it to be a huge timesaver. Just remove the number of strips bacon you need and chop coarsely with a sharp kitchen knife. Also, no cleanup.

Mix the Onion Cream Cheese Spread

In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth. Gently incorporate the parmesan that you have grated from a large block as well as the onions.

Stir in the chopped bacon. Cover the surface of the parmesan spread directly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. Remove from refrigeration and stir well.

Shape Into a Pretty Yuletide Presentation

Invert a small bowl in the center of a flat, decorative serving platter. If you plan to transport this appetizer elsewhere, I recommend lining a rimmed baking sheet with parchment and inverting your round circle on it.

Using a broad spatula or a spoon, drop heaps of the creamy mixture around the perimeter edge of the bowl, being careful not to plaster the bowl in place. Carefully remove bowl.

Garnish With “Holly”

Smooth the mixture using a butter knife in the rough shape of a circle or ‘wreath.’ Using the same butter knife, add texture to the surface by flicking your wrist in an outward motion all over the top.

Garnish with green parsley leaves placed in a tight, circular shape. Use the point of a steak knife to carefully position bits of diced pimientos in the centers of the parsley to mimic holly berries.

Arrange Crackers and Veggies

Serve with crackers, pita chips, or green and colorful vegetable Crudités. If you will be transporting elsewhere, arrange the chips and Crudités directly on the baking sheet alongside your new favorite holiday season appetizer!

Modifying the Norm to Make It Not Entirely Average

• Add chopped nuts, shredded or crumbled cheeses, or other fresh herbs to both flavor and to garnish.
• Omit the bacon for a meatless cheese ball.
• Shape into an oblong “football” for a Super Bowl or game day snack!