Christmas Lights Appetizer Spread

A festive, colorful appetizer platter featuring a creamy cheese spread, arranged to resemble twinkling Christmas lights—perfect for holiday gatherings.

This platter quickly became a holiday favorite at our family parties thanks to its vibrant colors and creamy flavors.

Ingredients

• Cheese Spread: 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese softened, 120 g (1/2 cup) sour cream, 120 g (1 cup) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 small garlic clove minced, 1/4 tsp black pepper, 1/4 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp dried chives, salt to taste
• Decorations: 12 16 mini sweet bell peppers (red, yellow, orange, green), 1/2 cup grape or cherry tomatoes (various colors) halved, 1/2 cucumber sliced into thin rounds, fresh parsley or dill sprigs, black olives (for light sockets) sliced, 1 bunch fresh chives or green onions (for wires)
• To Serve: Gluten-free crackers or baguette slices, assorted vegetable dippers (carrot sticks, celery, etc.)

Instructions

Step 1:

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, garlic, black pepper, paprika, chives, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Step 2:

Spread the cheese mixture evenly on a large serving platter, shaping it into a wide oval or rectangle to resemble a string of lights.

Step 3:

Arrange fresh chives or green onion strips across the spread in a winding, looping pattern to mimic a string of lights.

Step 4:

Slice mini bell peppers lengthwise and remove seeds. Place pepper halves, tomato halves, cucumber slices, and olives at intervals along the wire to represent Christmas bulbs. Top each bulb with a small olive slice to mimic the socket.

Step 5:

Garnish with fresh parsley or dill sprigs for a festive touch.

Step 6:

Serve immediately with crackers and vegetable dippers.

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This appetizer spread makes our holiday family gatherings even more joyful as everyone loves the festive presentation and easy sharing.

Notes

For extra color, use a variety of vibrant vegetables for the bulbs. To make ahead, prepare the cheese spread the day before and assemble with vegetables just before serving. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, spatula, large serving platter, knife, cutting board

Nutritional Information

Calories 180, Total Fat 14 g, Carbohydrates 6 g, Protein 5 g per serving

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This Christmas Lights Appetizer Spread is sure to brighten up your party table and delight your guests every holiday season.

Recipe FAQs

→ What cheeses are used in the spread?

The spread blends cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar for smoothness and flavor.

→ How is the light bulb effect created?

Mini sweet peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives are arranged along fresh chive strands to resemble Christmas lights.

→ Can this be made ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the cheese spread in advance and assemble with vegetables just before serving.

→ Are there gluten-free serving options?

Serve the spread with gluten-free crackers or vegetable dippers for gluten-free-friendly options.

→ Is this suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this spread is vegetarian and can be adapted to dairy-free by using plant-based cheese alternatives.