Description
A festive appetizer made from a creamy, savory cream cheese mixture shaped into a Christmas tree and decorated with herbs, vegetables, and crackers for serving.
Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 2 tbsp finely diced yellow bell pepper (for decoration)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (for decoration)
- Star-shaped piece of cheddar or yellow pepper for tree topper
- Crackers for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and sour cream until smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper; mix until well combined.
- Fold in parsley, green onions, and diced red bell pepper.
- Transfer the mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and shape it roughly into a cone or tree form.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to firm up.
- Unwrap and refine the tree shape with a spatula or clean hands.
- Press chopped dill and additional diced peppers onto the outside to resemble ornaments and greenery.
- Top with a cheddar or bell-pepper star and serve with crackers.
Notes
- Chilling helps the mixture hold its shape for decorating.
- You can add minced jalapeño for a spicy variation.
- This recipe can be made 24 hours in advance.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American