Save A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This is a favorite at our holiday parties because it brings everyone together and looks beautiful on the table.
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.
Save This appetizer makes for joyful family gatherings and adds a special holiday touch to every party.
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.
Save This appetizer is easy to assemble and always impresses guests with its festive look.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I keep the cheese spread smooth and creamy?
Use softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing thoroughly until well combined and smooth for the best texture.
- → What veggies work best to mimic Christmas lights?
Mini sweet bell peppers, grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives provide vibrant colors and shapes to resemble holiday bulbs.
- → Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day before and assemble with fresh vegetables just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → How can I accommodate dietary restrictions?
Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives for a dairy-free option; gluten-free crackers maintain a gluten-free spread.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor and presentation?
Fresh parsley, dill sprigs, and dried chives add both flavor and festive green accents to the spread.