Save to Pinterest A festive and colorful appetizer featuring a creamy herb dip surrounded by fresh vegetables and crackers, arranged in the shape of a Christmas tree. Perfect for holiday gatherings!
This dip platter always impresses guests and brings the holiday spirit to the table.
Ingredients
- Dip: 1 cup (225 g) cream cheese softened, 1/2 cup (120 g) sour cream, 1/2 cup (60 g) finely shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tablespoons fresh chives finely chopped, 1 tablespoon fresh dill finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill), 1 garlic clove minced, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetables: 1 cup broccoli florets, 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved, 1/2 cup cucumber slices, 1/2 cup baby carrots sliced lengthwise, 1/4 cup red bell pepper strips
- Extras: 1/2 cup small pretzel sticks or gluten-free crackers, 1/4 cup pitted black olives (for decoration)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese sour cream cheddar chives dill garlic salt and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Step 2:
- On a large rectangular platter, spread the dip in a triangle forming the shape of a Christmas tree (about 12 inches tall).
- Step 3:
- Arrange broccoli florets over the dip to mimic pine needles.
- Step 4:
- Decorate the tree with cherry tomato halves cucumber slices and red bell pepper strips as ornaments.
- Step 5:
- Place carrot slices at the base as the tree trunk.
- Step 6:
- Add pretzel sticks or crackers around the edge as gifts or for dipping.
- Step 7:
- Use black olives to create a star at the top or additional decorations as desired.
- Step 8:
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Save to Pinterest This recipe is a holiday tradition that brings family and friends together around the table.
Notes
Make it vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese.
Required Tools
Medium mixing bowl Spoon or spatula Large serving platter Knife and cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream cheddar) For gluten-free use gluten-free crackers instead of pretzel sticks Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens if serving guests with sensitivities.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this fun appetizer that adds cheer to your holiday parties and gatherings.
Common Recipe Questions
- → What ingredients create the dip base?
The dip base combines cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, fresh chives, dill, garlic, salt, and black pepper for a creamy herb flavor.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape formed?
The dip is spread in a triangular shape on a large platter, with broccoli arranged to mimic pine needles and colorful veggies as ornaments.
- → Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes, swap pretzel sticks for gluten-free crackers to maintain a gluten-free option suitable for guests with sensitivities.
- → Are there vegan alternatives suggested?
You can use dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes, and replace sour cream with plant-based yogurt versions for a vegan-friendly dish.
- → What vegetables work best for decoration?
Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, baby carrots, and red bell pepper strips create the festive look; radishes or snap peas are good alternatives.
- → How long can the platter be prepared in advance?
The platter can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours before serving to maintain freshness and appearance.