Pin it 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 has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing everyone together with its fun shape and fresh flavors.
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.
Pin it This dish always sparks joyful moments with family as we gather around the holiday table sharing stories and laughter.
Notes
For a lighter dip substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream. Use any colorful vegetables you prefer radishes snap peas or yellow peppers work well. 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.
Pin it This Christmas Tree Dip Platter is both beautiful and delicious making it a perfect centerpiece for your holiday celebrations.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What ingredients create the creamy dip?
The dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, fresh chives, dill, garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape formed?
The dip is spread onto a large platter in a triangular shape about 12 inches tall, then topped with vegetables mimicking pine needles and ornaments.
- → Which vegetables decorate the platter?
Broccoli florets, cherry tomato halves, cucumber slices, baby carrots, and red bell pepper strips are used for decoration.
- → Can this dish accommodate gluten-free diets?
Yes, substitute pretzel sticks with gluten-free crackers to make it gluten-free friendly.
- → Are there suggestions for lighter or vegan alternatives?
For a lighter option, replace sour cream with Greek yogurt. Vegan variations can be made with dairy-free cream cheese and cheese substitutes.