Save A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili peppers—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This dip quickly became my go-to appetizer at every Christmas party owing to its unique presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Base: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Flavorings: 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Decoration & Topping: 2 3 fresh red chili peppers, thinly sliced into rings, 1/2 green bell pepper, diced, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small carrot, sliced into thin strips (for the tree trunk), Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chives, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter. Using a spatula, shape the dip into a Christmas tree form (triangle with a wide base and pointed top).
- Step 4:
- Decorate the tree with rings of red chili pepper (as garlands), diced green and yellow bell peppers (as ornaments), and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a pine needle effect.
- Step 5:
- Place carrot strips at the base to resemble the tree trunk.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save My family loves gathering around this dip during the holidays; it adds warmth and excitement to our celebrations.
Notes
Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive red ornament touch. Use cracker or vegetable sticks for serving.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Spatula, Serving platter, Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise). Mayonnaise may contain eggs check labels if sensitive.
Save This festive dip will brighten your holiday table and impress guests with both taste and presentation.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the dip into a Christmas tree?
Use a spatula to form the creamy mixture into a wide-based triangle with a pointed top on a serving platter, resembling a tree.
- → Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, add hotter chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix to increase heat according to your preference.
- → What can be used to decorate the tree?
Sliced chili rings serve as garlands, diced green and yellow bell peppers act as ornaments, and chopped cilantro mimics pine needles. Thin carrot strips form the trunk.
- → What is the best way to serve this dip?
Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or refrigerate covered until ready to enjoy.
- → Are there vegetarian or dietary considerations?
This dish is vegetarian and gluten-free but contains dairy and mayonnaise which may include eggs, so check ingredient labels if allergic.