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Festive Pistachio-Cranberry Holiday Cheese Trees


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  • Author: jurgentukur
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 4 small trees (8–10 appetizer portions)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

An eye-catching, edible centerpiece that combines creamy cheese, salty pistachios, and tart cranberries for a festive appetizer.


Ingredients

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz goat cheese (optional)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped
  • 1 cup roasted, unsalted pistachios, finely chopped
  • Small cheddar cheese (for decoration)
  • Pretzel sticks (for trunk)


Instructions

  1. Soften cream cheese to a spreadable consistency (20–30 minutes at room temperature).
  2. Fold in goat cheese (if using), lemon zest, salt, and chopped cranberries.
  3. Shape mixture into small cones or rounds on pretzel sticks and chill for 45–60 minutes.
  4. Coat chilled cheese shapes with chopped pistachios.
  5. Decorate with extra cranberries and a cheddar star, then refrigerate until serving.

Notes

These cheese trees can be made a day ahead and are best served slightly chilled. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Cold assembly
  • Cuisine: American