Pin A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
I love serving this spread at Christmas parties because it always delights guests with its bright colors and creamy 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.
Pin This appetizer always brings our family together during holiday gatherings as everyone loves the festive look and fresh flavors.
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
Per serving: Calories 180, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 6 g, Protein 5 g
Pin This appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and adds a festive touch to any holiday table.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make this spread ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day before and assemble with vegetables just before serving to keep them fresh.
- → What vegetables can be used for the 'lights'?
Mini sweet bell peppers, grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and black olives create colorful, vibrant bulbs.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes work well for a dairy-free option.
- → How do I create the string light effect?
Use fresh chives or green onion strips arranged in looping patterns across the spread to resemble light wires.
- → What should I serve with this spread?
Gluten-free crackers, baguette slices, and assorted vegetable dippers like carrot sticks and celery complement the spread nicely.