Holiday Appetizer

Holiday Appetizer: Cheese Wedge Christmas Trees

Looking for a festive, fun, and easy holiday appetizer? These adorable cheese wedge Christmas trees are not only delicious but also make a great addition to any holiday spread. With creamy cheese, crunchy pretzel sticks, and a sprinkle of flavorful herbs, they’re sure to be a hit at your next holiday party.

Prep Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 4–6

Ingredients

For the Cheese Trees:

8 cheese wedges: Use cheese varieties like Laughing Cow, brie, or a soft white cheese.

4 pretzel sticks: Cut in half for easy handling and serving.

1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: A perfect mix of dried herbs for a savory kick.

1 tsp dill: Adds a tangy, refreshing flavor.

1 tsp crushed red pepper: A little heat to balance the richness of the cheese.

Spice & Herb Variations

• Garlic powder & onion powder: For a bold, savory twist.
• Paprika & cumin: Smoky and earthy, these spices add extra depth.
• Chili powder & coriander: For a citrusy, slightly spicy bite.
• Fresh parsley & thyme: Perfect for a fragrant, fresh touch.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Cheese: Unwrap the cheese wedges and slice them into triangles, making them resemble little Christmas trees. If using brie or another soft cheese, slice into wedges that resemble tree shapes.
2. Mix the Seasonings: On a shallow plate or bowl, mix together your seasonings. A simple combo of Italian seasoning, dill, and crushed red pepper works beautifully, but feel free to experiment with any spices you love.
3. Coat the Cheese Wedges: Press each cheese wedge down into the seasoning mixture to coat one side. Flip it over and coat the other side for an even layer of flavor.
4. Add the Pretzel Sticks: Take a pretzel stick and insert one half into the bottom of each cheese wedge. This acts as the “tree trunk” for your cheese Christmas tree.
5. Serve & Enjoy: Arrange your cheese wedge Christmas trees on a plate or platter. Serve immediately for a fun and festive appetizer that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fun & Festive: These little cheese trees are a cute and creative way to bring some holiday cheer to your appetizer table.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, this appetizer requires minimal prep but makes a big impact.
• Customizable: You can easily swap out seasonings to suit your flavor preferences.

Tips for Success

• Get Creative: Add a little star-shaped garnish on top of each tree using a small piece of yellow pepper or a star-shaped cookie cutter.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the crushed red pepper and experiment with other herbs like rosemary or basil.

These holiday cheese wedge Christmas trees with pretzel sticks are the perfect blend of fun and flavor. Not only are they super cute, but they also make for a delicious bite-sized snack for your guests. I hope you try this easy and festive appetizer at your next holiday gathering!

Enjoy!