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