Save 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 Christmas Tree Dip Platter has been a hit at every family gathering. It’s fun to assemble and always gets compliments!
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.
Save This dip platter always brings joy and festive spirit to our holiday table, sparking smiles and conversations.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a variety of crackers and vegetable sticks for a customizable appetizer that everyone can enjoy.
Variations
Make it vegan by using dairy-free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, and swap sour cream for plant-based yogurt.
Storage Tips
Assemble just before serving for freshest taste or refrigerate the dip separate from vegetables up to 2 days.
Save This festive appetizer adds a fun and delicious centerpiece to your holiday celebrations.
Cooking Guide
- → What ingredients add flavor to the dip?
The dip combines cream cheese, sour cream, shredded cheddar, fresh chives, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper for a rich herbaceous taste.
- → How is the Christmas tree shape formed?
The dip is spread triangularly on a platter then decorated with broccoli florets to mimic pine needles and colorful veggies as ornaments.
- → Can this platter accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, use gluten-free crackers for gluten-free needs and substitute dairy-free cream cheese and cheese to make it vegan.
- → What vegetables work best for decoration?
Broccoli, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red bell peppers, and baby carrots create a vibrant, festive look.
- → How long can the dip be stored before serving?
It can be refrigerated for up to 2 hours while maintaining freshness and presentation.
- → Can the dip be made lighter?
Yes, substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream reduces richness while keeping creaminess.