Description
This Cheese Tree with Cranberry & Pistachio is a visually stunning and delicious appetizer for festive gatherings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 300 g cream cheese, softened
- 150 g goat cheese or white cheddar, crumbled
- 2 tbsp mascarpone or ricotta (optional)
- 60 g dried cranberries, chopped
- 60 g unsalted pistachios, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or chives, chopped
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 star-shaped cracker or bell pepper slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by combining the cream cheese, goat cheese (or white cheddar), and optional mascarpone in a large mixing bowl. Use a spatula or a spoon to thoroughly mix until the mixture is smooth and well-combined, ensuring that there are no lumps.
- Once your cheese mixture is well-combined, fold in the chopped cranberries, pistachios, fresh herbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer the cheese mixture onto your serving plate. With clean hands or a spatula, begin to mold it into a cone shape, aiming for a height of about 6 to 8 inches.
- Press the remaining cranberries and pistachios onto the outer surface of your cheese tree to adhere them. Sprinkle chopped herbs over the top for extra color, and place your star-shaped cracker or bell pepper slice on top.
- Cover the cheese tree loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
Chilling the cheese mixture helps it firm up, making it easier to slice and serve. Serve alongside crackers, fresh bread, or veggies for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Protein: 5 g