Description
Festive Christmas Cheese Trees are an easy, no-cook appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings. Made by coating creamy cheese wedges with a blend of fresh herbs and spices, and topped with crunchy pretzel sticks, these bite-sized treats bring a delightful savory flavor and a charming presentation to your holiday table.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese
- 8 Cheese Wedges (such as Laughing Cow Cheese Wedges)
Toppings and Seasonings
- 4 Pretzel Sticks (cut in half)
- 1/3 cup fresh herbs (such as basil, rosemary, dill, finely chopped)
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Wedges: Unwrap the Laughing Cow cheese wedges. Alternatively, slice a brie wheel or white cheese into similar-sized wedges.
- Prepare the Herb and Spice Mixture: In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the diced or chopped herbs with crushed red pepper and smoked paprika, mixing thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Coat the Cheese: Press each cheese wedge firmly into the herb and spice mixture to evenly coat one side.
- Assemble the Trees: Flip the coated cheese wedge over and insert one half of a pretzel stick into the bottom center of the wedge, creating the appearance of a tree trunk.
- Serve Immediately: Arrange the finished cheese trees on a serving plate and serve right away to enjoy the fresh flavors and contrast of textures.
Notes
- Use a mix of fresh herbs to add depth of flavor and a festive look.
- Substitute pretzel sticks with breadsticks or crunchy vegetable sticks if preferred.
- For a milder flavor, reduce or omit crushed red pepper.
- Serve with crackers or fresh veggies for a fuller appetizer spread.
- These cheese trees are best enjoyed fresh; the herbs and pretzels may lose crunch if prepared too far in advance.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cheese tree
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
