Save to Pinterest A stunning, festive appetizer featuring creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary, shaped into a delightful Christmas tree—perfect for holiday entertaining.
I first made this for a family Christmas party and everyone loved the combination of flavors and how impressive it looked on the table.
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 to Pinterest This recipe has become a family tradition each holiday season, perfect for bringing everyone together around the table.
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.
Nutritional Information
Calories 175, Total Fat 12 g, Carbohydrates 10 g, Protein 6 g (per serving)
Save to Pinterest Give this elegant appetizer a try this holiday season for a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese mixture into a tree?
Use plastic wrap to help mold the cheese blend into a cone or triangle shape resembling a Christmas tree, smoothing edges with a spoon or spatula for a neat finish.
- → Can I prepare the cheese tree in advance?
Yes, chill the shaped and decorated cheese tree for at least 30 minutes to firm up before serving, or make it earlier in the day and keep refrigerated until ready.
- → What can I substitute for pistachios if allergic to nuts?
Try using toasted pumpkin seeds or omit nuts altogether to maintain texture and avoid allergens.
- → What pairing works well with this holiday tree?
It pairs beautifully with sparkling wine or dry white wine, complementing the creamy and tart flavors.
- → How can I make this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Serve the cheese tree with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetable crudités to keep it gluten-friendly.
- → What role does rosemary play in this creation?
Fresh rosemary adds an aromatic, pine-like fragrance that enhances the festive character and complements the tart cranberries.