Holiday Cheese Tree
A festive cheese tree perfect for holiday parties, featuring sharp Cheddar and cream cheese blended with pimentos, green pepper, and seasonings, decorated with parsley, nuts, and pimentos.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine the Cheddar and cream cheese, mixing until well blended.
- Add pimento, chopped green pepper, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice; mix well.
- Drop the mixture into a tree shape on a serving platter.
- Top with chopped parsley and place chopped nuts at the tree base.
- Use remaining pimentos as decorations around the tree.
- Spread the cheese mixture on crackers when ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before mixing. If you don't have sharp Cheddar, a mild or medium Cheddar works well. For a spicy kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. This cheese tree pairs beautifully with crackers or breadsticks, making it a festive centerpiece for any gathering.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cheese tree with an assortment of crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetable sticks for a delightful appetizer spread. It also goes well with a glass of white wine or a light beer. For a complete holiday spread, consider pairing it with dishes like Dan Melvin'S Crisp Corn Bread or Honey Drops for a sweet contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cheese mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. If you want to serve it again, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving to soften. Avoid freezing the cheese mixture, as it may alter the texture once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Holiday Cheese Tree contains roughly 119 calories, with 6g protein, 6g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of protein (12% of the Daily Value) and calcium (11% 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
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Holiday Cheese Tree is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat products. However, always check the labels of your cheese to ensure there are no animal rennet or other non-vegetarian ingredients used.
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).