Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer has become a holiday favorite in my family, bringing a cheerful touch to every gathering.
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 Our family always enjoys assembling this spread together, creating joyful memories each holiday season.
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
Calories: 180, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 6 g, Protein: 5 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This Christmas lights appetizer spread is a delightful and easy way to brighten your holiday table every year.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I assemble the Christmas lights effect?
Spread the cheese blend on a platter in an oval or rectangular shape, then arrange thin strips of fresh chives to mimic the wire. Place halved mini bell peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives at intervals to resemble light bulbs and sockets.
- → Can I prepare this spread ahead of time?
Yes, the cheese spread can be made a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and add the fresh vegetable decorations just before serving to maintain their crispness.
- → What variations can I try for dietary preferences?
For a dairy-free version, substitute plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives. Gluten-free crackers ensure the spread remains suitable for gluten-sensitive guests.
- → What vegetables work best for the colorful bulbs?
Mini sweet bell peppers in red, yellow, orange, and green create vibrant bulbs, complemented by grape or cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices for added color and texture.
- → How should I serve this spread?
Serve immediately with a selection of gluten-free crackers or baguette slices and an assortment of vegetable dippers like carrot sticks and celery for dipping.