These Cheese Christmas Trees are the cutest centerpiece for your holiday board. Creamy, savory, and fresh with herbs, they come together fast and always make guests smile.
Cheese Christmas Trees
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Parchment-Lined Tray (optional)
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
- 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.
- Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the mixture is firm enough to mold but not hard.
- Finely chop parsley and dill for a leafy green coat. Set out pomegranate seeds, diced bell pepper, sesame seeds, and small cheddar stars.
- Scoop portions of the cheese mixture and roll into balls, then gently form into cones that resemble small trees. Aim for 2 to 3 inches tall for easy snacking.
- Press each cone into the chopped herbs to coat all sides so the trees look bright and evergreen.
- Dot the trees with pomegranate seeds or bell pepper pieces as ornaments. Add a cheddar star on top if you like.
- Right before serving, insert a pretzel stick as the trunk. Arrange trees on a board with crackers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Cheese Christmas Trees
- Festive look with simple ingredients you already know.
- No cooking required, just mix, chill, shape, and decorate.
- Easy to scale for small gatherings or a big party platter.
- Make ahead friendly, so you can relax when guests arrive.
Cheese Christmas Trees Ingredients & Substitutions
- Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing. Use full fat for best shape, light works but is softer.
- Shredded sharp cheddar: Adds color and bite. Monterey Jack or Colby work too.
- Grated Parmesan: Savory depth. Pecorino or a hard aged cheese is fine.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley, chives, dill. Use what you like for a bright green finish.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, pinch of salt.
- Lemon juice: A squeeze balances richness. You can use a few drops of apple cider vinegar.
- Green coating: Finely chopped parsley, dill, chives, or baby spinach.
- Decorations: Pomegranate seeds, diced red and yellow bell pepper, sesame seeds, crushed peppercorns, or edible star cutouts from cheddar.
- Trunks: Pretzel sticks or thin breadsticks.
- To serve: Crackers, sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cheese Christmas Trees
Step 1: Blend the cheese base
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.
Step 2: Chill for shaping
Cover and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes, just until the mixture is firm enough to mold but not hard.
Step 3: Prep the coatings and decor
Finely chop parsley and dill for a leafy green coat. Set out pomegranate seeds, diced bell pepper, sesame seeds, and small cheddar stars.
Step 4: Shape the trees
Scoop portions of the cheese mixture and roll into balls, then gently form into cones that resemble small trees. Aim for 2 to 3 inches tall for easy snacking.
Step 5: Roll in green
Press each cone into the chopped herbs to coat all sides so the trees look bright and evergreen.
Step 6: Decorate
Dot the trees with pomegranate seeds or bell pepper pieces as ornaments. Add a cheddar star on top if you like.
Step 7: Add the trunks and serve
Right before serving, insert a pretzel stick as the trunk. Arrange trees on a board with crackers, cucumbers, and tomatoes.
Tips for Success
- Soften cream cheese fully for a smooth mix without lumps.
- Chill briefly. If it gets too firm, let it sit a few minutes before shaping.
- Chop herbs very fine so they cling evenly and the coating looks tidy.
- Add pretzel trunks just before serving to keep them crisp.
- Keep decorations small and light so they stay in place.
Variations of Cheese Christmas Trees
- Spiced trees: Mix in a pinch of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper for heat.
- Herb and lemon: Add extra lemon zest and more dill for a brighter flavor.
- Nut crunch: Roll some trees in finely chopped toasted almonds or pistachios.
- Kid friendly: Skip pepper and use mild cheddar, decorate with sesame seeds and tiny bell pepper stars.
- Mini bites: Make 1 inch trees and serve on cucumber rounds for a one bite snack.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Cheese Christmas Trees
- Crackers, crostini, and seeded flatbreads.
- Fresh veg: cucumber coins, celery sticks, sugar snap peas, and cherry tomatoes.
- Sweet contrast: grapes and apple slices.
- A simple sparkling juice or citrus spritzer.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Place trees on a parchment lined tray, cover, and chill up to 2 to 3 days. Add pretzel trunks just before serving.
- Freezing: Not recommended, the texture of cream cheese can become crumbly after thawing.
- Reheating: Not needed. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature.
Memories Made Around the Table
Every year we build these together, little hands pressing on ornaments while music plays. The platter always disappears, but the quiet smiles are what I remember.
FAQs
Can I make Cheese Christmas Trees ahead of time?
Yes. Shape and coat them up to 2 days ahead, cover well, and chill. Add trunks and delicate decor right before serving.
What cheeses work best for this recipe?
Use a mix of creamy and sharp. Cream cheese gives structure, while sharp cheddar and Parmesan add flavor.
How do I keep the herbs from wilting?
Pat herbs very dry after washing, chop fine, and coat just after shaping. Store covered and chilled until serving.
What can I use instead of pretzel sticks?
Thin breadsticks or sturdy chives work. Insert just before serving to keep them crisp.
How do I prevent decorations from falling off?
Press them gently into the cheese and avoid large, heavy pieces. Chill the trees again for 10 minutes to set.
Final Thoughts
These cheerful Cheese Christmas Trees are simple to make, fun to decorate, and guaranteed to bring a little magic to your holiday table.