Pin it 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—everyone loves its fresh flavors and charming look.
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.
Pin it Making this together every Christmas is a joyful tradition that brings my family closer as we share laughs and stories.
Notes
For a nut-free version, omit pistachios or substitute with toasted pumpkin seeds. Pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or dry white wine. 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
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.
Pin it This festive appetizer is sure to delight your guests and add holiday cheer to your table.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the mixture to resemble a tree?
Use plastic wrap on a work surface to mold the cheese blend into a cone or triangle shape, smoothing the surface before applying toppings.
- → Can pistachios be substituted for other nuts?
Yes, pistachios can be replaced with toasted pumpkin seeds for a nut-free option while maintaining crunch.
- → What is the best way to keep the spread firm?
Chill the shaped mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to help it firm up before serving.
- → Are there gluten-free serving suggestions?
Serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable crudités to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- → Which flavors complement this spread well?
The sweetness of honey and tartness of cranberries balance the creamy cheeses, while rosemary adds a fresh herbal note.