Pin it A stunning, festive appetizer featuring creamy cheese, sweet-tart cranberries, and aromatic rosemary, shaped into a delightful Christmas tree—perfect for holiday entertaining.
This is always the highlight of my holiday parties; guests love the combination of flavors and the charming shape.
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 it This recipe always brings my family together during the holidays; decorating the cheese tree becomes a fun shared tradition.
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.
Pin it This appetizer is sure to impress your guests and add festive spirit to your gatherings.
Common Questions
- → What cheeses are best for this dish?
A combination of cream cheese and goat cheese gives a smooth yet tangy base that balances well with sweet and savory toppings.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, shaping and decorating the cheeseball can be done in advance and chilled for at least 30 minutes to firm up flavors.
- → How do I achieve the tree shape easily?
Use plastic wrap to shape the cheese mixture into a cone or triangle form, then gently smooth the surface before adding toppings.
- → What are good serving accompaniments?
Serve with assorted crackers or gluten-free crackers and vegetable crudités to complement the rich cheese blend.
- → Are there allergen considerations?
Contains dairy and tree nuts; pistachios can be omitted or replaced with toasted pumpkin seeds. Use gluten-free crackers if needed.