Pin It A festive, spicy dip shaped like a Christmas tree, featuring creamy cheese, fresh herbs, and a kick of chili peppers—perfect for holiday gatherings.
This dip has become a holiday favorite in my family as it always sparks conversation and adds a fun twist to our appetizer table.
Ingredients
- Base: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 100 g (1 cup) shredded cheddar cheese, 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- Flavorings: 2 garlic cloves, minced, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1 tbsp chopped fresh chives, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Decoration & Topping: 2 3 fresh red chili peppers, thinly sliced into rings, 1/2 green bell pepper, diced, 1/2 yellow bell pepper, diced, 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 1 small carrot, sliced into thin strips (for the tree trunk), Crackers or vegetable sticks, for serving
Instructions
- Step 1:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Step 2:
- Add the garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, chives, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
- Step 3:
- Transfer the mixture onto a serving platter. Using a spatula, shape the dip into a Christmas tree form (triangle with a wide base and pointed top).
- Step 4:
- Decorate the tree with rings of red chili pepper (as garlands), diced green and yellow bell peppers (as ornaments), and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a pine needle effect.
- Step 5:
- Place carrot strips at the base to resemble the tree trunk.
- Step 6:
- Serve immediately with crackers or vegetable sticks, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pin It My family gathers every year to assemble this dip; the kids love placing the pepper rings on the ‘tree’ and it brings us all together in the kitchen.
Notes
For extra spice, use hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for variety. Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a festive red ornament touch.
Required Tools
Mixing bowl, Spatula, Serving platter, Knife and cutting board
Nutritional Information
Calories: 175, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 6 g (per serving)
Pin It This chili pepper Christmas tree dip is a guaranteed crowd pleaser perfect for holiday parties and family gatherings.
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I make this spread spicier?
Use hotter chili peppers or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat without overwhelming the creamy base.
- → What cheeses work well in this spread?
Cheddar provides a sharp flavor, but Monterey Jack or pepper jack can add mild or spicy variations to suit your taste.
- → Can this spread be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mixture and shape it just before serving or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve for freshness.
- → What are good accompaniments for serving?
Crackers or vegetable sticks complement the creamy texture and bold flavors, perfect for snacking.
- → How do the fresh herbs affect the flavor?
Chives, parsley, and cilantro add bright, herbal notes that balance the richness and spice in the spread.