Bacon Cheese Wreath

This Bacon Cheese Wreath is the ultimate holiday party centerpiece, creamy, savory, and loaded with crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, fresh chives, and aromatic herbs. It's a festive twist on your favorite dip, shaped into a beautiful cheese wreath that instantly brings cheer to any Christmas table.

Inspired by our popular Antipasto Christmas Tree Cheese Ballthis bacon cheese wreath recipe transforms a classic cheese ball into a crowd pleasing holiday showstopper. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, veggie sticks, or cold cuts for an irresistible spread.

What Makes This Recipe So Good

There's something so satisfying about a creamy, cheesy dip that looks as good as it tastes. This Bacon Cheese Wreath is rich with flavor from smoky bacon, sharp cheddar, and fresh herbs, while its festive wreath shape makes it the good centerpiece for any holiday table. Every bite is smooth, savory, and packed with just the right amount of crunch.

Unlike a traditional cheese ball wreath, this version is simple to make yet impressive enough to wow your guests. You can prepare it ahead of time, keep it chilled, and serve it straight from the fridge when everyone's ready to snack. It's a no stress, full flavor bacon cheese wreath recipe that turns every gathering into a celebration.

What Goes Into Bacon Cheese Wreath

This Bacon Cheese Wreath is creamy, savory, and full of festive color from herbs, bacon, and bell pepper.

• Cream Cheese: The rich, velvety base that holds everything together, giving your cheese wreath its smooth and creamy texture. It's also the same creamy foundation used in this Italian-style antipasto cheese ballwhich makes another great centerpiece for appetizer spreads.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty, and smoky bacon brings the bold flavor that makes this wreath so irresistible.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharpness and depth, balancing the creaminess of the cream cheese perfectly.
• Red Bell Pepper: Bright, sweet, and festive, it adds both crunch and color to this bacon cheese wreath recipe.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.

On the stove

1. Line the Pan: Line the inside of a 10 cup Bundt pan with plastic wrap, making sure the entire surface is covered. Set it aside for later use.

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine all the dip ingredients cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, herbs, and seasonings until well mixed and creamy.

1. Fill the Pan: Scoop cheese mixture into the Bundt pan, spreading it evenly and pressing down to remove any air pockets.

1. Chill the Mixture: Cover the pan and refrigerate for about 1 hour, or up to a full day, until the cheese wreath is firm and set.

1. Invert the Wreath: Once chilled, uncover and invert the Bacon Cheese Wreath onto a serving platter. Peel off the plastic wrap.

1. Smooth the Edges: Use a spatula to neaten up the sides and top, creating a clean, wreath like shape ready for decorating.

1. Decorate: Sprinkle parsley, chives, and green onions on top. Add olives, bell pepper, and rosemary for a festive finish.

1. Serve and Enjoy: Present your beautiful cheese wreath and serve it with crackers, pretzels, or cold cuts. Watch it disappear fast!

This Bacon Cheese Wreath pairs beautifully with a mix of hearty favorites. For something warm and satisfying, try it alongside Beef and Pumpkin Shepherd's Piethe creamy, cheesy dip perfectly complements the rich, meaty filling. If you want to keep things lighter but still full of flavor, serve it with Spinach and Ricotta Grilled Cheese for a melty, comforting combo. And for a pop of color and freshness, add a bowl of Avocado Tomato Corn Salad to balance all that savory goodness.

Kitchen tip

• Use freshly cooked bacon for a reliable flavor and crunch as it holds up beautifully in the creamy mix.
• Let the cream cheese soften fully before mixing so everything blends smoothly.
• Make your Bacon Cheese Wreath a day ahead and refrigerate; it tastes even better once chilled and set.
• Brush the top with a little olive oil just before serving for a festive shine.

Recipe FAQ's

Ritz crackers, pretzel crisps, or any sturdy cracker work perfectly. You can also serve it with sliced baguette or veggie sticks.

Absolutely. Turkey bacon gives you the same salty crunch with a slightly lighter flavor.

Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier, milder taste.

On the stove

What you need

• 4 cups cream cheese softened
• 1 1/2 cups bacon diced, fried
• 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
• 3/4 red bell pepper seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup green onions finely chopped
• 1/4 cup chives finely chopped
• 1/4 cup parsley finely chopped, or cilantro
• 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 pinch salt to taste, if desired
• 1/4 cup parsley or herbs of choice, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon green onions finely chopped
• 12 pitted mixed olives halved lengthwise
• 1/4 red bell pepper finely chopped
• 1 handful rosemary leaves sprigs to decorate
• 1 handful Ritz water crackers or pretzels for serving

Method

1. Line the inside of a 10-cup capacity Bundt pan with plastic wrap (you may need two sheets to completely cover the walls of the pan). Set aside.
2. Combine dip ingredients in a large bowl; mix well.
3. Scoop the cream cheese mixture into prepared pan. Spread into an even layer while adding light pressure to ensure the mixture smooths into the base of the pan.
4. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, (about 1 hour or up to 1 day).
5. Once chilled, uncover and invert the wreath onto a serving platter. Use a spatula to smooth the edges.
6. To decorate, sprinkle with the parsley, chives and green onions. Press each olive half around the top of the wreath. Garnish with bell peppers between the olives. Insert rosemary sprigs around the wreath. Brush with a little olive oil (optional for shine).
7. Serve with crackers of your choice.