Appetizers

Mexican Cheese Wreath

photo by:kraft

This made for a very tasty and pretty holiday presentation! I considered not bothering with the olives but so glad I did. Using a small can of the finely chopped olives giv...read more

posted by

torytales

on 6/24/2007

time

prep:

15 min

total:

3 hr 15 min

servings

total:

3 cups or 24 servings, 2 Tbsp. each

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What You Need

pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Mexican Style Shredded Cheese

1/2

cup finely chopped pitted black olives

1/2

cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Tbsp. finely chopped red peppers

tsp. chili powder

Make It

BEAT cream cheese and shredded cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well blended. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Cover.

REFRIGERATE several hours or overnight.

PLACE drinking glass in center of serving platter. Drop rounded tablespoonfuls of cheese mixture around glass, just touching outer edge of glass, to form ring; smooth with spatula. Remove glass. Garnish with additional parsley and red peppers, if desired. Serve with assorted NABISCO Crackers.

Kraft Kitchens Tips

Substitute

Prepare as directed, using PHILADELPHIA Neufchatel Cheese and KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese.

How to Soften Cream Cheese

Place completely unwrapped package of cream cheese in microwaveable bowl. Microwave on HIGH 10 sec. or just until softened. Add 15 sec. for each additional package of cream cheese.

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beckafl

posted:12/16/2009

I made this a few years back and my family asks me for it every Christmas. It has alot of color too!

torytales

posted:6/24/2007

This made for a very tasty and pretty holiday presentation! I considered not bothering with the olives but so glad I did. Using a small can of the finely chopped olives gives the spread a great texture - most people would not realize they were eating black olives. Also, I added 1/2 cup of sour cream and 1/2 tsp. garlic powder.

Chef Newbie

posted:1/1/2007

This was a real easy recipe to make. I did not use fresh parsley, but it was just as good. Instead of red peppers, I used 2 cups of crushed red pepper - it was spicey and good :)

jess078

posted:12/26/2006

This recipe is very good. In the future I will most-likely cut it in half or as recommended by an earlier comment; make 2 smaller wreaths.

frapa

posted:5/24/2006

this was very good , something different. lots of compliments.. also instead of making one large ring, made two small, can always bring out a second if you run out of the first

MJaneK

posted:12/27/2005

This is the first time that I ever took the time to make a recipe that didn't just go in a bowl. I found it to be very easy. My family enjoyed it and wants it to be made again. Excellent taste.

huggies41

posted:12/25/2005

I made this for Chinese Christmas last night and everyone loved it. I added the sour cream to make it spread easier and also added some extras including pimentoes, bacon pieces, and green onions. instead of peppers I used carrots and everyone wants the recipe now...quess I will send them here to kraftfoods.com to see for there selfs. Thanks very much for a great start to a recipe.

JessicaBlanton

posted:12/22/2005

This was a cute recipe and easy to make. I left the cream cheese out to soften and that worked very well. I used my standing mixer to mix and it was quick and easy. I did add about 1 cup of sour cream to make it creamier (per another commenter's suggestion) and I added both salsa (1/2 cup) and about 1/2 t of garlic. This added some extra flavor to this recipe. My guests enjoyed this appetizer and especially the presentation. It travels well (when kept cold) and is easy to fix if there is a problem on the road :)

a cook

posted:12/20/2005

Pretty presentation for guests. I added salsa to the cream cheese. Also added some onions. Will make it next time & add a little garlic. If you think ahead leave the cream cheese out for at least 1 hr to soften.

DEBecker

posted:12/13/2005

It tastes good, but needs something added to the cheese to make it creamier. It was extremely difficult to spread, both to form the wreath, and to eat. Since I already bought ingredients for three to take to holiday parties, I will try adding sour cream when I make it again.