Save A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili peppers—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This dip has become a holiday staple in my family, bringing everyone together with its unique presentation and delicious flavor.
Ingredients
- Base: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Flavorings: 2 garlic cloves minced, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Decoration & Topping: 2 3 fresh red chili peppers thinly sliced into rings, 1/2 green bell pepper diced, 1/2 yellow bell pepper diced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small carrot sliced into thin strips (for the tree trunk), Crackers or vegetable sticks for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chives, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter. Using a spatula, shape the dip into a Christmas tree form (triangle with a wide base and pointed top).
- Step 4:
- Decorate the tree with rings of red chili pepper (as garlands), diced green and yellow bell peppers (as ornaments), and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a pine needle effect.
- Step 5:
- Place carrot strips at the base to resemble the tree trunk.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Save My family loves gathering around this dip during the holidays, making memories while enjoying tasty bites.
Notes
For extra spice, use hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for variety. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive red ornament touch.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, spatula, serving platter, knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 175, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 4 g, Protein 6 g
Save This festive dip is sure to be the centerpiece of your holiday appetizer table, delighting guests with flavor and fun presentation.
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I add more heat to the dip?
Increase the spice by using hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper directly into the creamy base.
- → Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Yes, Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheeses work well and offer a different flavor profile.
- → What is the best way to shape the dip?
Use a spatula to mold the mixture into a triangular Christmas tree shape, ensuring a wide base and pointed top for a festive look.
- → How should this dish be served?
Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate until ready.
- → Are there any allergen considerations?
This dish contains milk from cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and mayonnaise which may also include eggs; check ingredient labels if sensitive.