Christmas Cheese Tree
A festive cheese tree shaped appetizer with creamy, tangy flavors from cream cheese, Roquefort, and herbs, perfect for holiday gatherings and cheese lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Have all ingredients at room temperature.
- Mix the butter, cream cheese, Roquefort, green onion, Tabasco, and dry mustard together until smooth.
- Shape a cone from cardboard and place it over a sherbet glass; cover the cone with plastic wrap.
- Frost the cone with the cheese mixture to resemble a Christmas tree.
- Decorate the cheese tree with stuffed olives, pimiento, ripe olives, and gherkins.
Tips & Substitutions
Ensure your butter and cheeses are at room temperature for easier mixing. If Roquefort is unavailable, a strong blue cheese can be substituted. For a spicier kick, consider adding more Tabasco or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also use fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor. This cheese tree pairs beautifully with Mrs. Le Tourneau'S Fruit Cake Or Lemon Cake.
Serving Suggestions
This Christmas Cheese Tree makes for a festive centerpiece on your holiday table. Pair it with a selection of crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables for dipping. It also complements a charcuterie board beautifully. For a sweet contrast, serve alongside slices of Mrs. Le Tourneau'S Fruit Cake Or Lemon Cake. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for an elegant finish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the cheese tree has been decorated, it's best to consume it within two days to maintain freshness. To serve leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature before enjoying or use them as a spread on crackers or bread.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Christmas Cheese Tree contains roughly 149 calories, with 4g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 535mg per serving (23% 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 tree ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cheese mixture a day in advance and frost the cone when you're ready to serve. Just make sure to cover it tightly and keep it refrigerated. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste.
What can I use instead of Roquefort cheese?
If you can't find Roquefort, any strong blue cheese will work as a substitute, such as Gorgonzola or Stilton. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile may change slightly, but it will still be delicious!
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you can enhance it by adding more vegetables for decoration, such as cherry tomatoes or radishes. Just ensure that all your ingredients, like the cheeses, are vegetarian-certified.
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).