Pin It A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This recipe has become a holiday tradition in my family, always impressing guests with its vibrant colors and flavors.
Ingredients
- Cheese Spread: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 120 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 small garlic clove, minced, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried chives, Salt, to taste
- Decorations: 12–16 mini sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green), 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (various colors), halved, 1/2 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds, Fresh parsley or dill sprigs, Black olives (for light sockets), sliced, 1 bunch fresh chives or green onions (for wires)
- To Serve: Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices, Assorted vegetable dippers (carrot sticks, celery, etc.)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, garlic, black pepper, paprika, chives, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on a large serving platter, shaping it into a wide oval or rectangle to resemble a string of lights.
- Step 3:
- Arrange fresh chives or green onion strips across the spread in a winding, looping pattern to mimic a string of lights.
- Step 4:
- Slice mini bell peppers lengthwise and remove seeds. Place pepper halves, tomato halves, cucumber slices, and olives at intervals along the wire to represent Christmas bulbs. Top each bulb with a small olive slice to mimic the socket.
- Step 5:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive touch.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers and vegetable dippers.
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My family loves gathering around this colorful spread, making it a festive centerpiece for our holiday celebrations.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute with plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Spatula, Large serving platter, Knife, Cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar). Gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers. Check packaged products for potential allergens.
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This appetizer is sure to brighten up your holiday table with its festive look and delicious taste.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I make the spread dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives to create a dairy-free version that still maintains a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- → Can this spread be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese mixture can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Assemble the vegetable decorations shortly before serving to keep everything fresh.
- → What vegetables work best for the lights?
Mini sweet bell peppers, grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives create vibrant 'bulbs' that mimic Christmas lights beautifully.
- → How should I serve this spread?
Serve with gluten-free crackers or baguette slices and a selection of fresh vegetable dippers such as carrot and celery sticks for variety.
- → Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, when paired with gluten-free crackers, this spread is suitable for gluten-free diets without compromising taste or presentation.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor and presentation?
Fresh parsley, dill sprigs, and dried chives add both flavor and a festive green touch to the spread’s appearance.