Save A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer has been a holiday favorite with my family for years, bringing festive cheer to every gathering.
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
- Prepare the cheese spread:
- In a medium bowl combine cream cheese sour cream cheddar garlic black pepper paprika chives and salt Mix until smooth and creamy
- Shape the spread:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on a large serving platter shaping it into a wide oval or rectangle to resemble a string of lights
- Create the wire:
- Arrange fresh chives or green onion strips across the spread in a winding looping pattern to mimic a string of lights
- Add bulbs:
- 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
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive touch
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers and vegetable dippers
Save My family always looks forward to this colorful table centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks
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
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 6 g Protein 5 g per serving
Save This festive spread is sure to brighten any holiday event and impress your guests with minimal effort
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prepare the base cheese spread?
Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, dried chives, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- → What vegetables are used to create the lights effect?
Mini sweet bell peppers, grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and sliced black olives are arranged to mimic Christmas lights.
- → Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture in advance and assemble the vegetable arrangement just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → What are good serving options alongside the spread?
Serve with gluten-free crackers, baguette slices, or assorted fresh vegetable dippers like carrot and celery sticks.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for this spread?
Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes to accommodate dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.