Save A stunning, festive appetizer featuring creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary, shaped into a delightful Christmas tree—perfect for holiday entertaining.
I love serving this appetizer at Christmas parties because it always impresses guests with its flavor and appearance.
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 always brings the family together during the holidays for a fun and festive moment.
Notes
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.
Save This appetizer brings festive cheer with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Recipe Guide
- → What cheeses are used in this dish?
A blend of softened cream cheese and goat cheese creates a smooth, tangy base that balances the sweetness of the toppings.
- → How is the tree shape formed?
The cheese mixture is spooned onto plastic wrap and shaped by hand into a cone or triangle resembling a Christmas tree, then chilled to firm up.
- → Can this be made nut-free?
Yes, pistachios can be omitted or replaced with toasted pumpkin seeds to accommodate nut allergies.
- → What do the toppings add to the dish?
Dried cranberries provide tartness, pistachios add crunch, pomegranate seeds offer juicy bursts, and fresh herbs lend an aromatic, festive touch.
- → How should it be served?
Arrange the cheese tree on a platter surrounded by assorted crackers or vegetable crudités for a colorful, elegant presentation.