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.
I first served this at a holiday party and it was an instant hit with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese: softened
- 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream:
- 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise:
- 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:
- 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 This dip brings back warm memories of holiday celebrations with family gathered around sharing food and laughter.
Notes
For extra spice, use hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. 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 are needed to prepare this recipe.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 175 calories, 14 g total fat, 4 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein.
Save to Pinterest Enjoy this festive dip as a perfect appetizer for your holiday parties or family gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of cheese is used?
The dip features cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, and a touch of mayonnaise for creaminess.
- → How is the festive shape created?
The dip mixture is shaped into a triangle resembling a Christmas tree, decorated with sliced chili rings and diced bell peppers.
- → Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, use hotter chili peppers or add cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.
- → What herbs enhance the flavor?
Fresh chives, parsley, and cilantro provide bright, herbal notes that balance the creaminess and spice.
- → How should this be served?
Serve chilled alongside crackers or vegetable sticks for an easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer.