Save A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This appetizer has been a holiday favorite with my family for years, bringing festive cheer to every gathering.
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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.)
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Instructions
- Prepare the cheese spread:
- In a medium bowl combine cream cheese sour cream cheddar garlic black pepper paprika chives and salt Mix until smooth and creamy
- Shape the spread:
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly on a large serving platter shaping it into a wide oval or rectangle to resemble a string of lights
- Create the wire:
- Arrange fresh chives or green onion strips across the spread in a winding looping pattern to mimic a string of lights
- Add bulbs:
- 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
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive touch
- Serve:
- Serve immediately with crackers and vegetable dippers
Save My family always looks forward to this colorful table centerpiece that tastes as good as it looks
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Required Tools
Mixing bowl spatula large serving platter knife cutting board
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream cheese sour cream cheddar) Gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers Check packaged products for potential allergens
Nutritional Information
Calories 180 Total Fat 14 g Carbohydrates 6 g Protein 5 g per serving
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This festive spread is sure to brighten any holiday event and impress your guests with minimal effort
Recipe Guide
- → How do I prepare the base cheese spread?
Combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, dried chives, and salt until smooth and creamy.
- → What vegetables are used to create the lights effect?
Mini sweet bell peppers, grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and sliced black olives are arranged to mimic Christmas lights.
- → Can this spread be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture in advance and assemble the vegetable arrangement just before serving for optimal freshness.
- → What are good serving options alongside the spread?
Serve with gluten-free crackers, baguette slices, or assorted fresh vegetable dippers like carrot and celery sticks.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for this spread?
Use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes to accommodate dairy-free diets without sacrificing flavor.
