Pin This 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 was a hit at our last Christmas party and always draws compliments for its unique presentation 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.
Pin This This recipe brings joy to family gatherings and inspires holiday creativity in the kitchen.
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)
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175 per serving, Total Fat: 12 g, Carbohydrates: 10 g, Protein: 6 g
Pin This This festive appetizer is simple to prepare yet impresses every guest with its flavor and presentation.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture?
Spoon the blended cheese onto plastic wrap and use the wrap to mold it into a cone or triangle, resembling a tree shape.
- → Can I prepare this appetizer in advance?
Yes, chilling it for at least 30 minutes helps the shape firm up and the flavors meld beautifully.
- → Are there suitable nut-free topping alternatives?
To avoid nuts, substitute pistachios with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.
- → What pairs well with this cheese and cranberry dish?
Sparkling wines or dry white wines complement the tartness and creamy texture wonderfully.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free serving?
Yes, serve with gluten-free crackers or vegetable crudités to accommodate gluten-free diets.