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 quickly became a holiday favorite in my family and impresses every guest with its taste and presentation.
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 recipe always brings my family together during the holidays for laughter and celebration.
Notes
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 is a quick, elegant addition to any holiday gathering sure to impress every guest.
Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses are used in this appetizer?
Soft cream cheese and tangy goat cheese provide a creamy base balanced by honey and citrus zest.
- → How is the festive shape achieved?
The cheese mixture is shaped into a cone resembling a Christmas tree using plastic wrap, then decorated with toppings.
- → Can this dish accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, pistachios can be omitted or substituted with pumpkin seeds for nut-free options; gluten-free crackers are recommended if needed.
- → What flavors do the toppings add?
Tart cranberries and sweet pomegranate seeds complement the aromatic rosemary and crunch of pistachios for layered tastes and textures.
- → How should this appetizer be served?
Arrange with assorted crackers or vegetable crudités and chill for best texture, although serving immediately is also fine.