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 has become a holiday favorite in my family for 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 Making this together has brought my family closer during the holidays as we share laughter and stories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with assorted crackers, gluten-free options, or crisp vegetable crudités for added texture and flavor.
Storage Tips
Keep chilled in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and shape.
Variations
Try adding a layer of cranberry sauce between the cheese layers for an extra burst of flavor.
Save This festive cheese tree will surely impress your guests and add joy to your holiday table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture into a tree?
Spoon the blended cheese mixture onto plastic wrap and mold it into a cone or triangular shape resembling a Christmas tree using your hands or the wrap.
- → Can I make this without nuts?
Yes, simply omit pistachios or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds to avoid nuts.
- → What is the best way to serve this dish?
Arrange it on a platter surrounded by assorted crackers or vegetable crudités for easy dipping and presentation.
- → How long should I chill the centerpiece?
Chill for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving, or serve immediately if preferred.
- → Can I enhance the flavor with additional ingredients?
Consider adding a layer of cranberry sauce between the cheese layers for a tangy, sweet boost.