Simplified Christmas Tree Dip

Featured in: Quick Healthy Snacks

This vibrant platter features a creamy herb dip crafted from cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and fresh herbs. It's artfully shaped into a Christmas tree on a large serving tray and decorated with crisp broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red bell peppers as festive ornaments. Baby carrots form the tree trunk, while pretzels or gluten-free crackers surround the edges. Black olives create a star atop the tree. Ideal for holiday entertaining, it requires minimal prep and no cooking time.

Variations include swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt for a lighter dip or using dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan option. This visually appealing starter brings flavor and cheer to any gathering.

Updated on Tue, 25 Nov 2025 08:45:00 GMT
Festive Christmas Tree Dip Platter overflowing with colorful vegetables and creamy herb-infused dip for the holidays. Pin it
Festive Christmas Tree Dip Platter overflowing with colorful vegetables and creamy herb-infused dip for the holidays. | freshymeals.com

A festive and colorful appetizer featuring a creamy herb dip surrounded by fresh vegetables and crackers, arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday gatherings!

This dip platter has become our go-to holiday appetizer because everyone loves the creamy herb dip and the fun tree shape to snack from.

Ingredients

  • Dip: 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, 1/2 cup (60 g) finely shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill), 1 garlic clove minced, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetables: 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup cucumber slices, 1/2 cup baby carrots sliced lengthwise, 1/4 cup red bell pepper strips
  • Extras: 1/2 cup small pretzel sticks or gluten-free crackers, 1/4 cup pitted black olives (for decoration)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, chives, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
Step 2:
On a large rectangular platter, spread the dip in a triangle, forming the shape of a Christmas tree (about 12 inches tall).
Step 3:
Arrange broccoli florets over the dip to mimic pine needles.
Step 4:
Decorate the tree with cherry tomato halves, cucumber slices, and red bell pepper strips as ornaments.
Step 5:
Place carrot slices at the base as the tree trunk.
Step 6:
Add pretzel sticks or crackers around the edge as gifts or for dipping.
Step 7:
Use black olives to create a star at the top or additional decorations as desired.
Step 8:
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
A delicious overhead shot of the Christmas Tree Dip Platter, perfect for a vegetarian appetizer at Christmas parties. Pin it
A delicious overhead shot of the Christmas Tree Dip Platter, perfect for a vegetarian appetizer at Christmas parties. | freshymeals.com

This recipe always brings family together around the table and adds a festive touch to our holiday celebrations.

Notes

Make it vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese.

Required Tools

Medium mixing bowl, spoon or spatula, large serving platter, knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar). For gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers instead of pretzel sticks. Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.

Close-up of a Christmas Tree Dip Platter, showing creamy dip ringed by fresh veggies and crackers, ready to serve. Pin it
Close-up of a Christmas Tree Dip Platter, showing creamy dip ringed by fresh veggies and crackers, ready to serve. | freshymeals.com

This festive dip platter will be the highlight of your holiday appetizer spread.

Simplified Christmas Tree Dip

Creamy herb dip shaped like a Christmas tree with fresh vegetables and crackers in a festive presentation.

How long to prep
20 min
Time to cook
1 min
Overall time
21 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Quick Healthy Snacks

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 8 Serving size

Dietary details Vegetarian option

What you need

Dip

01 1 cup cream cheese, softened
02 1/2 cup sour cream
03 1/2 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
04 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
05 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
06 1 garlic clove, minced
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Vegetables

01 1 cup broccoli florets
02 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
03 1/2 cup cucumber slices
04 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced lengthwise
05 1/4 cup red bell pepper strips

Extras

01 1/2 cup small pretzel sticks or gluten-free crackers
02 1/4 cup pitted black olives

Steps to follow

Step 01

Prepare the Herb Dip: Combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, chives, dill, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and fully integrated.

Step 02

Shape the Dip: Spread the prepared dip onto a large rectangular serving platter in a triangular form approximately 12 inches tall to create a Christmas tree shape.

Step 03

Add Broccoli Pine Needles: Distribute broccoli florets evenly over the dip to resemble pine tree needles.

Step 04

Decorate with Vegetables: Place cherry tomato halves, cucumber slices, and red bell pepper strips artistically on the dip to represent ornaments.

Step 05

Form the Tree Trunk: Arrange carrot slices along the base of the triangle to imitate the tree trunk.

Step 06

Surround with Extras: Arrange pretzel sticks or gluten-free crackers around the platter edges as accompanying snacks.

Step 07

Add Final Decorations: Use pitted black olives to create a star atop the tree or additional decorations as desired.

Step 08

Serve or Refrigerate: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before serving.

Tools you’ll need

  • Medium mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Large serving platter
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese).
  • For gluten-free option, select gluten-free crackers instead of pretzel sticks.
  • Verify ingredient labels for other potential allergens.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 170
  • Fat content: 12 g
  • Carbohydrates: 9 g
  • Protein amount: 4 g