Save to Pinterest A stunning, festive appetizer featuring creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary, shaped into a delightful Christmas tree—perfect for holiday entertaining.
This appetizer always impresses my guests and makes holiday gatherings feel extra special.
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 to Pinterest This recipe has become a favorite during family holiday parties, bringing smiles and compliments every time.
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)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this elegant and festive appetizer that will delight your guests and brighten your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
Softened cream cheese and goat cheese create a smooth, creamy base with a subtle tang and richness.
- → Can I make this dairy-free or vegan?
This version uses dairy cheeses; for dairy-free or vegan alternatives, consider plant-based cream cheeses or nut-based spreads.
- → How is the shape formed?
The cheese mixture is shaped using plastic wrap into a cone resembling a Christmas tree for a festive presentation.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Assorted crackers, including gluten-free options, and vegetable crudités complement the creamy, tangy flavors beautifully.
- → Can the toppings be varied?
Yes, pistachios can be replaced with toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option; fresh herbs and dried fruit can be adjusted to taste.
- → Is chilling necessary before serving?
Chilling for at least 30 minutes firms the shape and enhances flavors, though it can be served immediately if preferred.