Save to Pinterest A festive and visually stunning cheese and fruit appetizer shaped like a holiday tree, made with creamy white cheddar, tangy dried cranberries, and fresh herbs.
This appetizer has been a hit at every holiday party I've hosted, always sparking compliments and requests for the recipe.
Ingredients
- White cheddar cheese: 400 g (14 oz) cut into 2 cm (¾ inch) cubes
- Dried cranberries: 100 g (¾ cup)
- Roasted pistachios: 50 g (½ cup) shelled and roughly chopped
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: 1 small bunch (for garnish)
- Crackers or crostini: for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Arrange the cheese:
- Arrange the white cheddar cubes on a large platter or board in the shape of a tree, starting with a wide base and tapering to a point at the top.
- Add cranberries:
- Sprinkle dried cranberries evenly over and between the cheese cubes.
- Add pistachios:
- Scatter roasted pistachios over the tree for extra color and crunch.
- Garnish with rosemary:
- Tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary between the cheese cubes to mimic pine branches and add aroma.
- Add topper:
- If desired, place a small star-shaped piece of cheddar or a cracker at the top as a tree topper.
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers or crostini on the side.
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this cheese tree during holiday celebrations, enjoying its festive look and delicious flavors together.
Required Tools
Large serving platter or board, sharp knife, small bowl for nuts or garnish (optional)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and tree nuts. Choose gluten-free crackers if needed.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 210 per serving, Total Fat: 13 g, Carbohydrates: 11 g, Protein: 10 g
Save to Pinterest This appetizer is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings both beauty and taste to any occasion.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I shape the cheese into a tree?
Arrange white cheddar cubes on a large platter starting with a wide base and narrowing towards the top, forming a triangular tree shape.
- → Can I substitute the dried cranberries?
Yes, try pomegranate arils or diced dried apricots for a different burst of color and sweetness.
- → What nuts work best for this arrangement?
Roasted unsalted pistachios add crunch and vibrant color, but toasted pecans or walnuts can be used as alternatives.
- → How should fresh herbs be used for garnish?
Tuck small sprigs of fresh rosemary between cheese cubes to mimic pine branches and add aromatic notes.
- → Is cooking required for this dish?
No cooking is needed; the appetizer is assembled fresh and served immediately for optimal texture and flavor.
- → What beverages pair well with this appetizer?
Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy and tangy flavors nicely.