Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This has been a hit at every holiday party I've brought it to, and it's always a joy seeing guests reach for seconds.
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.
Save to Pinterest This recipe has brought my family together during the holidays and created lasting joyful memories around the table.
Notes
For extra color, use a variety of vibrant vegetables for the bulbs. To make ahead, prepare the cheese spread the day before and assemble with vegetables just before serving. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.
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.
Save to Pinterest This appetizer always brightens up the party and is sure to impress your guests with both taste and appearance.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I prepare the cheese spread base?
Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, dried chives, and salt. Mix until creamy and smooth.
- → What vegetables work best for the 'lights'?
Mini sweet bell peppers in various colors, halved cherry or grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, and black olives create the vibrant bulb effect.
- → Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead and keep refrigerated. Assemble the vegetables just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → Are there options for dietary restrictions?
Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives for dairy-free needs. Serve with gluten-free crackers for gluten sensitivity.
- → How should the spread be served?
Serve on a large platter with an oval or rectangular shape. Arrange fresh chives or green onions in looping lines to mimic wiring, then place vegetable pieces to simulate lights.
- → What garnishes enhance the presentation?
Sprigs of fresh parsley or dill add a festive and fresh visual touch to complete the holiday theme.