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Cheese Christmas Trees Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

Cheese Christmas Trees are festive, bite-sized party appetizers made with a creamy cheese base rolled into tree shapes and coated with fresh herbs and colorful toppings to resemble decorated Christmas trees. Perfect for holiday gatherings, they combine sharp cheddar, cream cheese, and Parmesan with flavorful seasonings and vibrant garnishes, served with crackers and fresh vegetables for a delightful presentation and easy snacking.

Ingredients

Cheese Base

  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar shredded
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.125 tsp fine salt or to taste

Coatings and Decorations

  • 1 cup fresh parsley and dill finely chopped, for coating
  • 0.25 cup pomegranate seeds
  • 0.25 cup red and yellow bell pepper diced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 1 tsp peppercorns crushed
  • 1 oz cheddar cut into small stars (optional)
  • 12 pretzel sticks for trunks

To Serve

  • 8 oz crackers
  • 2 cup cucumbers sliced
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and a small pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.
  2. Chill Mixture: Cover and refrigerate the cheese mixture for 25 minutes until firm enough to mold but not hard.
  3. Prepare Coatings and Decorations: Finely chop parsley and dill to create a leafy green coat. Set out pomegranate seeds, diced bell pepper, sesame seeds, and small cheddar stars for decorating.
  4. Form Trees: Scoop portions of the chilled cheese mixture and roll into balls, then gently shape each ball into a cone about 2 to 3 inches tall to resemble small Christmas trees.
  5. Coat Trees: Press each cone into the chopped herbs thoroughly so the trees look bright and evergreen on all sides.
  6. Decorate Trees: Dot the herb-coated trees with pomegranate seeds or bell pepper pieces to mimic ornaments. Add a cheddar star on top if desired.
  7. Add Trunks and Serve: Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick into the bottom of each tree to serve as the trunk. Arrange the cheese trees on a platter alongside crackers, cucumber slices, and cherry tomatoes for a festive presentation.

Notes

  • Chilling the cheese mixture is crucial for easy shaping and to prevent the trees from falling apart.
  • If fresh parsley and dill are unavailable, substitute with other fresh herbs like chives or cilantro for a different flavor.
  • Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, but mild cheddar can be used if preferred.
  • The cheese stars on top are optional but add a charming decorative touch.
  • For a nut-free version, omit sesame seeds or choose an alternative coating like crushed herbs or finely chopped nuts.
  • Refrigerate assembled trees until 1 hour before serving to keep fresh and firm.

Find it online: https://freshfromkitchen.com/cheese-christmas-trees-recipe/