Description
This Cheese Tree with Cranberry & Pistachio is the ultimate holiday appetizer showstopper. Creamy, tangy, nutty, and beautifully colorful, it looks like Christmas on a plate and tastes just as good. Perfect for parties, grazing boards, and holiday entertaining.
Ingredients
Cheese Base
300 g cream cheese, softened
150 g goat cheese or crumbled white cheddar
2 tbsp mascarpone or ricotta (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Coating & Decoration
½ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
½ cup pistachios, finely chopped
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
For Serving
Crackers, crostini, or breadsticks
Instructions
1. Make the Cheese Mixture (≈ 5 minutes)
-
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, goat cheese (or cheddar), and mascarpone/ricotta if using.
-
Add lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
-
Mix until smooth and well combined.
2. Shape the Cheese Tree 🎄 (≈ 5 minutes)
-
Transfer the cheese mixture to a serving plate or parchment-lined tray.
-
Use a spatula or clean hands to shape it into a cone or Christmas tree shape.
-
Smooth the sides gently.
3. Decorate with Cranberry & Pistachio ✨ (≈ 5 minutes)
-
Press chopped pistachios around the tree for the green base.
-
Add chopped cranberries as ornaments, pressing lightly so they stick.
-
Insert small rosemary sprigs for branches or a tree-top effect.
4. Chill & Serve ❄️
-
Refrigerate for 30 minutes to help the tree firm up.
-
Serve chilled or slightly softened with crackers or crostini.