This Goat Cheese Christmas Wreath Appetizer with dried cherries and pistachios is as festive looking as it is delicious. It's sure to make a statement on the buffet table at the annual holiday party!

A closeup of a Goat Cheese Christmas Wreath Appetizer with a red bow and parsley covered.

You'll get plenty of oohs and aahs when you serve this festive goat cheese Christmas wreath at your next party or gathering.

Not only is it a buffet table showstopper, but it's also an utterly delicious cheesy appetizer that people can't seem to get enough of.

Jump to:

The simple ingredient list:
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
Why this recipe works
What can I use in place of the goat cheese in this recipe?
Can dried cranberries be substituted for dried cherries?
Can the pistachios be swapped with something else, or left out entirely?
How many people can this festive cheese ball appetizer serve?
Additional holiday appetizers:
Printable Recipe Card

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Goat Cheese Christmas Wreath Appetizer with Dried Cherries and Pistachios

The simple ingredient list:

**Note - The following lists of ingredients plus kitchen tools and equipment contain affiliate links (highlighted in blue) for your consideration and shopping convenience. #CommissionsEarned

Goat Cheese Logs (20 ounces each)
Dried Cherries, chopped
Shelled Pistachios, roasted and salted
Fresh Parsley (dried parsley will also work)
Black Pepper
Assorted Crackers and Dippers

Kitchen tools and equipment needed:

Chef's Knife
Cutting Board
Large Bowl
Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
Spatula
Plastic Wrap
Baking Sheet (for rolling the parsley)
Round Serving Platter
Appetizer Spreaders
Holiday Bow (optional, but recommended)

Closeup vertical photo of a Christmas wreath appetizer made out of goat cheese, with pistachios, dried cherries and parsley.

Why this recipe works

This wreath may look complicated to make but in all actuality, it's very simple and only takes a matter of minutes to assemble, and only takes 5 ingredients.

Plus, it can be made in advance, so that makes this appetizer a hostess's dream come true when it comes to preparing for the party.

What can I use in place of the goat cheese in this recipe?

What's that? You're not a fan of goat cheese? No problem.

Just substitute cream cheese for the goat cheese in the recipe, and you're good to go.

However, if you're using cream cheese, the wreath will be a slightly sweeter flavor whereas the goat cheese has a creamy, but mild tanginess which pairs wonderfully well with the sweetness of the dried cherries and the wonderful flavor of the pistachios.

Can dried cranberries be substituted for dried cherries?

Sure thing. The choice is yours.

Can the pistachios be swapped with something else, or left out entirely?

Feel free to use whatever chopped nut suits your fancy.

Or, leave the nuts out entirely.

The reason I went with pistachios (besides the fact that I love them) is their festive green color which is the perfect holiday complement to the sweet red cherries!

How many people can this festive cheese ball appetizer serve?

Lots! It's party-sized so it can feed a crowd comfortably!

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Overhead closeup photo of a goat cheese Christmas wreath appetizer on a round platter with crackers and a red bow.

Additional holiday appetizers:

Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer Bites (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"This festive and easy Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer recipe takes only minutes to make, but they look like you slaved for hours. Plus, they’re cheap and cheerful which makes them perfect for this (or any) holiday gathering."

Closeup vertical photo of shrimp cocktail appetizer bites with red cocktail sauce and green parsley on a festive Christmas plate.

Christmas Snowman Appetizer Dip from Hungry Happenings

Grinch Guacamole (pictured below and in the featured video) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"With a few simple ingredients and some easy instructions, you can warm the hearts of your family and friends with this gloriously easy to make realistic looking Grinch Guacamole."

Vertical overhead photo of Grinchy Guacamole with zucchini eyes, and cauliflower fur.

Christmas Deviled Eggs from Mom Foodie

Chicken Skewers with Strawberry Satay Sauce (pictured below) from (yours truly) Kudos Kitchen

"Not only is this Chicken with Strawberry Satay Sauce healthy and nutritious, but the flavor is out of this world delicious and the festive colors are perfect for holiday entertaining.

Horizontal closeup photo of chicken skewers on a plate with red strawberries and green scallions.

Goat Cheese Christmas Wreath with Pistachios and Dried Cherries (pictured below) This is the place!!

Vertical title text closeup image of Christmas wreath appetizer with parsley, pistachios, crackers and a red bow.

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Printable Recipe Card

Goat Cheese Christmas Wreath Appetizer

Renee Goerger

You'll get plenty of oohs and aahs when you serve this festive goat cheese Christmas wreath at your next party or gathering.

Not only is it a buffet table showstopper, but it's also an utterly delicious cheesy appetizer that people can't seem to get enough of.

Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate

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Prep Time 30

Additional Time 1

Total Time 1 30

Cuisine easy appetizers

Servings cups

Calories

Ingredients

▢ 2 logs 10 ounces each goat cheese
▢ 1½ cups chopped dried cherries plus additional for garnish
▢ 1½ cups shelled chopped pistachios, plus additional for garnish
▢ pinch black pepper
▢ 1 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In the bowl of a stand mixer or a large bowl with a and mixer, combine the first 4 ingredients.
Shape the mixture into a long log on a piece of plastic wrap.
Press the chopped parsley onto the cheese long on all sides, except the bottom.
Wrap the log semi-tightly with the plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
After chilling, work the log (non-parsley side down) into a circle shape on a round serving platter, pressing and pinching as needed to make a wreath shape.
Garnish the inside of the wreath with additional cherries and pistachios (if desired) and press a red bow in the cheese.
Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, or until ready to serve.
Serve with assorted crackers and or breadsticks.

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Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee

I sincerely hope you've enjoyed this festive and fun holiday cheese ball recipe as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you.