Christmas Cheese Star
A festive cheese spread shaped like a star, decorated with colorful peppers and herbs. Perfect for holiday parties, offering creamy, savory flavors with a hint of spice.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Line a 1-quart star-shaped mold with plastic wrap.
- In a large bowl, combine shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, drained diced pimientos, dried minced onion, garlic powder, and ground red pepper. Mix with an electric mixer until smooth.
- Spoon the cheese mixture into the prepared mold.
- Cover and chill for 1 hour.
- Invert the mold onto a serving plate to remove the cheese spread.
- Remove the plastic wrap.
- Use a small star-shaped aspic cutter to cut out stars from sweet red pepper slices.
- Garnish the cheese star with cucumber slices, red pepper stars, and parsley.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. You can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese for a tangy twist. If you prefer a milder flavor, use Monterey Jack cheese instead of sharp Cheddar. Dried minced onion can be replaced with fresh chopped onion, but reduce the quantity to avoid overpowering the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Cheese Star pairs beautifully with sweet red pepper slices, cucumber, and fresh parsley for a festive platter. Serve alongside crackers or toasted baguette slices for added crunch. Consider complementing it with a fruit salad, like Fluff Fruit Salad, to balance the richness of the cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or as an appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cheese spread can be served cold directly from the fridge. If you prefer a softer texture, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. Avoid freezing, as it may alter the texture of the cheeses.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cheese Star contains roughly 563 calories, with 24g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (61% of the Daily Value), and calcium (49% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 809mg per serving (35% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cheese star ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and chill it in the mold. Just be sure to cover it tightly to prevent any odors from the refrigerator affecting the flavor. When you're ready to serve, simply invert the mold and garnish as directed.
What can I use instead of pimientos?
If pimientos are unavailable, diced roasted red peppers make a great substitute, providing a similar flavor and vibrant color. You can also use chopped olives for a savory twist, or omit them entirely for a simpler cheese spread.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Christmas Cheese Star is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels of the cheese and any additional ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).