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 appetizer has been a hit at every holiday party I've hosted—everyone loves the combination of creamy spread and fresh vegetable bulbs.

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

Easily open jars, bottles, and cans while cooking, making meal prep smoother and less frustrating.

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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 has brought my family together every Christmas with its cheerful presentation and delicious flavors.

Required Tools

Mixing bowl, Spatula, Large serving platter, Knife, Cutting board

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar). Gluten-free if served with gluten-free crackers. Check packaged products for potential allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

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Rinse vegetables, wash cookware, and fill pots easily while cooking with flexible spray control.

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This spread is a quick and beautiful addition to your holiday table sure to impress guests.

Recipe Questions

→ What ingredients create the creamy base?

The creamy base blends softened cream cheese, sour cream, sharp cheddar, minced garlic, black pepper, paprika, dried chives, and salt for balanced flavor.

→ How are the vegetable decorations arranged?

Mini bell peppers, grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, and olives are strategically placed along fresh chive strands shaped like a string of Christmas lights.

→ Can this spread be prepared in advance?

Yes, prepare the cheese mixture a day ahead and assemble the vegetable decorations shortly before serving to maintain freshness.

→ Is there a dairy-free alternative?

Plant-based cream cheese and cheddar substitutes can be used to create a dairy-free version while maintaining creaminess.

→ What are suitable accompaniments for serving?

Gluten-free crackers, baguette slices, and assorted vegetable sticks like carrot and celery make excellent dippers.