Save 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 quickly became my go-to for holiday parties because it looks beautiful and is so easy to prepare.
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 with smiles and holiday cheer around the table.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 6 g per serving
Save This appetizer perfectly combines flavor and festive presentation to brighten any holiday gathering.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture into the tree form?
Use plastic wrap on your work surface to mold the cheese blend into a cone or triangle resembling a tree, smoothing the surface with a spatula or spoon.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, chilling the shaped cheese for at least 30 minutes helps it firm up and enhances flavors before serving.
- → Are there alternatives to pistachios for nut-free versions?
Substitute pistachios with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them altogether for a nut-free variation.
- → What do the cranberries and pomegranate add to the dish?
They provide sweet-tart bursts that contrast the creamy cheese, adding both flavor and decorative appeal.
- → How can I serve this alongside other foods?
Arrange with assorted crackers or vegetable crudités to complement the flavors and textures.