Celebrate the season with these Red & Green Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Trees a vibrant, festive appetizer that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious! With creamy, seasoned cheese layered with sweet and spicy pepper jellies, this dish is a perfect blend of flavor, color, and holiday cheer. Serve it at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings for a quick and beautiful addition to your holiday spread.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup green pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted crackers or bread for serving
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a serving platter, shaping it into a festive Christmas tree using a spatula.
- Fill a piping bag or small plastic bag with red pepper jelly, then pipe it over the top half of the tree to form a decorative layer.
- Repeat with green pepper jelly on the bottom half for a colorful contrast.
- Sprinkle chopped chives and walnuts (if using) over the top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Chill the tree for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled with crackers or slices of bread for scooping and spreading.
Variation
- Mini Appetizer Version: Shape the cream cheese into small individual trees using a spoon or mini cookie cutter perfect for portioned servings.
- Heat Level Options: Choose mild or hot pepper jelly depending on your spice preference, or mix both for a balance of sweet heat.
- Add Cheese Variety: Blend in a bit of shredded sharp cheddar or goat cheese for extra depth and tang.
Cooking Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften fully before mixing it helps achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- If the jellies are too thick to pipe, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to loosen them up.
- You can prepare this appetizer up to a day in advance just cover it tightly and refrigerate until serving time.
Serving Suggestions
- Cracker Board Delight: Serve alongside buttery crackers, pretzel crisps, or crostini for texture variety.
- Holiday Centerpiece: Garnish with rosemary sprigs or pomegranate seeds to mimic ornaments and make it the star of your snack table.
- Pairing Ideas: Complements sparkling wine, cider, or festive mocktails beautifully.
Tips
- Use a small offset spatula for easy shaping and smoother edges when forming the tree.
- For a polished look, use a combination of fine and coarse chives for extra color and visual appeal.
- Always chill before serving the firm texture makes it easier to scoop without the layers sliding apart.
Prep Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Protein: 4 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use store-bought flavored cream cheese? Yes, but plain cream cheese gives you full control over flavor balance.
- What can I use instead of pepper jelly? Try fig jam, apricot preserves, or cranberry sauce for a milder twist.
- How long will it last in the fridge? Store covered for up to 3 days perfect for prepping ahead.
- Can I make this vegan? Yes! Substitute vegan cream cheese and ensure your jelly is plant-based.
Conclusion
These Red & Green Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Trees are a festive feast for the eyes and palate rich, creamy, and bursting with holiday spirit. Simple to make yet impressively elegant, they’ll quickly become a seasonal favorite at your gatherings. Bring on the holiday sparkle, one creamy bite at a time!
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Red & Green Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Trees
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Celebrate the season with these Red & Green Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Trees a vibrant, festive appetizer that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious! With creamy, seasoned cheese layered with sweet and spicy pepper jellies, this dish is a perfect blend of flavor, color, and holiday cheer. Serve it at parties, potlucks, or family gatherings for a quick and beautiful addition to your holiday spread.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup red pepper jelly
- 1/2 cup green pepper jelly
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Assorted crackers or bread for serving
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture onto a serving platter, shaping it into a festive Christmas tree using a spatula.
- Fill a piping bag or small plastic bag with red pepper jelly, then pipe it over the top half of the tree to form a decorative layer.
- Repeat with green pepper jelly on the bottom half for a colorful contrast.
- Sprinkle chopped chives and walnuts (if using) over the top for extra flavor and crunch.
- Chill the tree for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
- Serve chilled with crackers or slices of bread for scooping and spreading.
Notes
- Allow the cream cheese to soften fully before mixing—it helps achieve a smooth, spreadable consistency.
- If the jellies are too thick to pipe, warm them slightly in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to loosen them up.
- You can prepare this appetizer up to a day in advance—just cover it tightly and refrigerate until serving time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg
Keywords: holiday appetizer, cream cheese tree, pepper jelly, Christmas dip, festive cheese spread