Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer has become a holiday favorite in our family, bringing everyone together with its fun design and delicious 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.
Save to Pinterest This dish always brings smiles during our holiday gatherings as everyone enjoys the festive look and taste.
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 to Pinterest This appetizer spread is perfect for making your holiday gatherings extra special and easy to enjoy.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of cheese work best for this spread?
Cream cheese combined with sour cream and sharp cheddar creates a creamy, tangy base that holds shape well and complements vibrant vegetables.
- → How do I create the Christmas lights effect?
Arrange the cheese spread in an oval or rectangle, then layer fresh chives or green onions in looping patterns to mimic wires. Place halved mini peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives along these 'wires' to resemble light bulbs.
- → Can this spread be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and assemble the vegetables just before serving to maintain freshness and color vibrancy.
- → Are there gluten-free serving options?
Serve the spread with gluten-free crackers or fresh vegetable dippers like carrot sticks and celery to accommodate gluten-free diets.
- → How can I make a dairy-free version?
Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives to replace dairy, maintaining the creamy texture and flavor balance.