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 recipe always wows my guests during the holiday season and makes entertaining effortless and fun.
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 appetizer brings my family together every holiday season creating lasting memories 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 festive cheese tree will impress your guests and add holiday cheer to your spread.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I achieve the tree shape?
Use plastic wrap on your work surface and shape the cheese mixture into a cone or triangle to resemble a tree. Smooth the surface for an even look before adding toppings.
- → Can I make a nut-free version?
Yes, simply omit pistachios or replace them with toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option without sacrificing texture.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor best?
Fresh rosemary and parsley provide aromatic and visual appeal, complementing the tart cranberries and creamy cheeses excellently.
- → Should the cheese tree be served chilled or at room temperature?
It’s best to chill the cheese tree for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving, though it can be served immediately if preferred.
- → What accompaniments work well with this dish?
Assorted crackers, gluten-free options, or vegetable crudités pair nicely, offering contrasting textures and flavors.