Description
Festive and fun Christmas Cheese Trees are a quick and easy appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made with creamy cheese wedges coated in aromatic herbs and spices, and topped with crunchy pretzel sticks to resemble a tree trunk, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Ready in just 10 minutes, they bring charm and taste to any party platter without any cooking required.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 cheese wedges (such as Laughing Cow cheese wedges)
Herbs & Spices
- 1/3 cup fresh herbs (basil, rosemary, dill, etc.), diced or chopped
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Garnish
- 4 pretzel sticks, cut in half
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese wedges: Unwrap the Laughing Cow cheese wedges or slice other cheeses (like brie or white cheese) into wedge shapes to resemble small triangles suitable for creating ‘trees’.
- Mix the herb seasoning: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the diced fresh herbs with crushed red pepper and smoked paprika, creating a flavorful coating.
- Coat the cheese wedges: Press each cheese wedge firmly down into the herb and spice mixture to evenly coat one side, ensuring the cheese sticks well to the herbs.
- Add the pretzel trunks: Flip the coated wedge over so the coated side is down and insert one half of a pretzel stick into the uncoated side of the cheese wedge to represent the tree trunk.
- Serve immediately: Arrange the cheese trees on a platter and serve as a delightful, no-cook festive appetizer for your holiday guests.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor and appearance.
- Different cheeses can be used, but soft, wedge-shaped cheeses work best to create the tree effect.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper to your preferred spice level.
- Serve these cheese trees immediately to prevent the herbs from wilting and cheese from softening too much.
- Pair with crackers or charcuterie for a complete appetizer spread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese tree
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 12 mg
