Celebrate the holiday season with these Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers! Mini triangular cream cheese “trees” adorned with cranberries, pecans, and herbs make a festive, colorful addition to any party spread. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Bonus: they’re completely customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
- 2 blocks (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (optional for added texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for light sweetness)
- Pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree tops, optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch square pan. Chill in the freezer for 20–25 minutes to firm up.
- While chilling, chop cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Toss together in a small bowl with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.
- Once the cream cheese mixture is firm, slice into small triangles. Carefully insert a pretzel stick at the base of each triangle to create the tree trunk.
- Press the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture onto each triangle, covering the surface completely to resemble tree decorations.
- Optionally, place a small rosemary sprig at the top of each tree for a “tree topper.” Chill until ready to serve.
Variation
- Longer Freezing for Cleaner Slices: If you want your triangles perfectly sharp, freeze the cream cheese mixture for 35–40 minutes instead of 20–25. It makes slicing much easier and reduces crumbling.
- Goat Cheese Swap: Replace cream cheese with goat cheese for a tangier, more sophisticated flavor. This pairs beautifully with the sweetness of cranberries.
- Herb Twists: Swap parsley for fresh mint or dill to add a unique flavor twist. Mint adds a refreshing note, while dill gives a subtle earthy taste that complements the nuts.
- Nut-Free Version: If allergic to nuts, swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch.
Cooking Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to make mixing easier. Cold cream cheese can be lumpy.
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Chilling the mixture in the freezer, rather than just the fridge, helps maintain triangle shape while assembling.
- If you notice the cream cheese is sticking to the knife when slicing, wipe it clean between cuts or dip the knife in warm water.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve chilled on a festive holiday platter, lined with decorative parchment or greenery to enhance the seasonal presentation.
- Pair with crackers, sliced apples, or pear slices to create a full appetizer board that balances sweet, savory, and crunchy textures.
- Great for parties as finger food, snack boards, or even as edible décor for a centerpiece display.
- Complement with a selection of cheeses or charcuterie for a complete holiday appetizer spread.
Tips
- Freeze Slightly Longer for Easier Slicing: Slightly firmer cream cheese slices more cleanly and holds the triangle shape better.
- Use Goat Cheese for Tang: Goat cheese adds a creamy tang that pairs beautifully with sweet cranberries and nuts.
- Swap Parsley for Fresh Herbs: Mint gives a refreshing bite, while dill adds an earthy, aromatic flavor twist. Try different herbs to match your menu.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the cranberry-nut mixture and cream cheese triangles a day ahead, storing them separately. Assemble just before serving to save time.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Chill Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Mini Tree)
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Total Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Sugars: 4 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. Nuts can remain, or use seeds for crunch. - How far in advance can I prepare them?
You can assemble the triangles and cranberry topping a day ahead. Store chilled in an airtight container. Add pretzel trunks and rosemary just before serving. - Can I freeze these for later?
The cream cheese triangles can be frozen unadorned. Once thawed, add the cranberry-nut mixture and pretzel trunks before serving. - What other decorations work as tree toppers?
Tiny star-shaped cheese cutouts, pomegranate seeds, or small edible glitter sprinkles can be fun alternatives to rosemary.
Conclusion
These Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers are as fun to make as they are to eat. Their festive appearance, creamy texture, and perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crunchy flavors make them a must-have for any holiday celebration. With simple tips and easy variations, they’re customizable to your taste and ideal for creating memorable moments with family and friends.
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Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12–15 mini trees 1x
Description
Celebrate the holiday season with these Bite-Sized Christmas Tree Appetizers! Mini triangular cream cheese “trees” adorned with cranberries, pecans, and herbs make a festive, colorful addition to any party spread. They’re easy to make, visually stunning, and perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Bonus: they’re completely customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 blocks (16 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar (optional for added texture)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra crunch)
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for light sweetness)
- Pretzel sticks (for tree trunks)
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for tree tops, optional)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheese (if using), garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Spread the mixture evenly into a parchment-lined 8×8 inch square pan. Chill in the freezer for 20–25 minutes to firm up.
- While chilling, chop cranberries, pecans, and parsley. Toss together in a small bowl with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, if desired.
- Once the cream cheese mixture is firm, slice into small triangles. Carefully insert a pretzel stick at the base of each triangle to create the tree trunk.
- Press the cranberry-pecan-herb mixture onto each triangle, covering the surface completely to resemble tree decorations.
- Optionally, place a small rosemary sprig at the top of each tree for a “tree topper.” Chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Ensure cream cheese is fully softened to make mixing easier. Cold cream cheese can be lumpy.
- Toasting pecans enhances their flavor and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Chilling the mixture in the freezer, rather than just the fridge, helps maintain triangle shape while assembling.
- If you notice the cream cheese is sticking to the knife when slicing, wipe it clean between cuts or dip the knife in warm water.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (no cooking required, optional toasting of pecans)
- Category: Appetizer / Snack
- Method: No-bake / Chilling
- Cuisine: American / Holiday
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini tree
- Calories: 140 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 95 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: Christmas appetizer, holiday snack, cream cheese tree, bite-sized appetizer, festive recipe