Save to Pins A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This has become a holiday tradition in my family where everyone enjoys creating and nibbling from the festive spread.
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.
Save to Pins This recipe brings everyone together, sparking smiles and conversation around the holiday table.
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
Save to Pins This vibrant spread is sure to brighten any holiday gathering and delight your guests.
Questions & Answers
- → How do I create the light string effect on the spread?
Use fresh chives or green onion strips arranged in looping patterns across the spread to mimic the wiring of Christmas lights.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead and refrigerate. Assemble the vegetables on top just before serving to maintain freshness.
- → What are good vegetable options for the colorful bulbs?
Mini sweet bell peppers in various colors, halved grape or cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives work well to replicate the light bulbs.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative for the spread?
Plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes can be used to make this spread dairy-free while keeping a creamy texture.
- → What serving suggestions complement this spread?
Serve with gluten-free crackers, baguette slices, or assorted vegetable dippers such as carrot and celery sticks for added crunch.