Save to Pinterest A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cheese Spread: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream 120 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 small garlic clove, minced 1/4 tsp black pepper 1/4 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp dried chives Salt, to taste
- Decorations: 12–16 mini sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green) 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (various colors), halved 1/2 cucumber, sliced into thin rounds Fresh parsley or dill sprigs Black olives (for light sockets), sliced 1 bunch fresh chives or green onions (for wires)
- To Serve: Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices Assorted vegetable dippers (carrot sticks, celery, etc.)
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, garlic, black pepper, paprika, chives, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on a large serving platter, shaping it into a wide oval or rectangle to resemble a string of lights.
- Step 3:
- Arrange fresh chives or green onion strips across the spread in a winding, looping pattern to mimic a string of lights.
- Step 4:
- Slice mini bell peppers lengthwise and remove seeds. Place pepper halves, tomato halves, cucumber slices, and olives at intervals along the wire to represent Christmas bulbs. Top each bulb with a small olive slice to mimic the socket.
- Step 5:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive touch.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers and vegetable dippers.
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Save to Pinterest Common Recipe Questions
- → What cheeses are used in the spread?
The spread combines cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar for a smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor.
- → How do you create the Christmas lights effect?
Mini bell peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives are arranged along strips of fresh chives to mimic colorful bulbs and wiring.
- → Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day before and assemble with vegetables just before serving for freshness.
- → Is there a gluten-free option available?
Serve the spread with gluten-free crackers or vegetable dippers to keep it gluten-free.
- → Are there any dairy-free alternatives suggested?
Plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes can be used to make a dairy-free version.