Save A stunning, festive appetizer featuring creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary, shaped into a delightful Christmas tree—perfect for holiday entertaining.
I love serving this Christmas tree appetizer at holiday parties because it always impresses guests and brings everyone together with its beautiful look and delicious taste.
Ingredients
- Cheese Base: 250 g cream cheese, softened, 120 g goat cheese, softened, 1 tbsp honey, 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, zest of 1/2 orange
- Toppings & Decoration: 50 g dried cranberries, roughly chopped, 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (plus extra sprigs for garnish), 30 g pistachios, roughly chopped, 1 small pomegranate, seeds only, 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt
- Serving: Assorted crackers or gluten-free crackers, Vegetable crudités (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese, honey, black pepper, and orange zest. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Step 2:
- Place a large piece of plastic wrap on your work surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the center and use the wrap to shape it into a cone or triangle resembling a Christmas tree.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the shaped cheese tree to a serving platter. Smooth the surface with a spatula or the back of a spoon.
- Step 4:
- Press chopped cranberries, chopped pistachios, and pomegranate seeds onto the cheese tree, letting some areas overlap and others remain uncovered for visual interest.
- Step 5:
- Sprinkle chopped rosemary and parsley over the tree for a festive, green look.
- Step 6:
- Garnish with extra rosemary sprigs to mimic pine needles, and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
- Step 7:
- Arrange crackers and/or vegetable crudités around the base.
- Step 8:
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to firm up, or serve immediately if preferred.
Save This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays, sparking conversations and smiles around the table.
Notes
You can add a layer of cranberry sauce between the cheese mixture for extra flavor.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula or spoon, plastic wrap, serving platter, small knife (for chopping).
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, goat cheese) and tree nuts (pistachios). Gluten may be present in crackers—use gluten-free crackers if necessary. Always check ingredient labels for potential allergens.
Save This appetizer is as delightful to make as it is to eat, adding a festive touch to your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese into a Christmas tree?
Use plastic wrap on a surface, spoon the cheese mixture onto the center, then wrap and mold into a cone or triangle resembling a tree. Smooth the surface with a spatula or spoon.
- → Can I substitute pistachios if I have a nut allergy?
Yes, for a nut-free version, substitute pistachios with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.
- → What crackers pair best with this dish?
Assorted regular or gluten-free crackers complement the creamy texture and vibrant toppings perfectly.
- → How long should the dish be chilled before serving?
Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up the cheese tree, although it can be served immediately if preferred.
- → Can I add extra layers for more flavor?
Yes, try adding a layer of cranberry sauce between the cheese mixture for enhanced sweetness and tartness.