Save to Pinterest 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 was a showstopper at our last Christmas party and loved by both kids and adults.
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 to Pinterest We always enjoy making this dip together as a family tradition during the holidays, a tasty and festive treat.
Notes
Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for variety. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive red ornament touch.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula, serving platter, knife and cutting board.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 6 g per serving.
Save to Pinterest This Chili Pepper Christmas Tree Dip is sure to impress and bring festive cheer to any gathering.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients make the dip creamy?
The creamy base is a blend of cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar, creating a smooth texture.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape achieved?
The dip mixture is spread on a platter and shaped into a triangle with a pointed tip and wide base, decorated with vegetable slices to resemble ornaments and garlands.
- → Can the spice level be adjusted?
Yes, using hotter chili peppers or adding cayenne pepper increases the heat to suit your taste.
- → What garnishes add festive color to the dip?
Diced green and yellow bell peppers, rings of red chili peppers, chopped cilantro, and carrot strips create a vibrant holiday look.
- → Is this dip suitable for specific diets?
It is vegetarian and gluten-free, but contains dairy and mayonnaise which may have eggs.